RHISA scan

Alternative names:

cisternogram; CSF flow scan; intrathecal scan; radionuclide cisternogram; spinal cord scan

What the risks are:

There is some risk any time lumbar puncture is performed, particularly a risk of infection. Risks for RHISA scan are no greater than when lumbar puncture is performed for other reasons.

A very slight amount of radiation is produced by the radioisotope. The amount of radiation is very small and virtually all of the radiation is gone within a few days. There have been no documented cases of injury or damage caused by the radioisotope used with RHISA scan. However, as with any radiation exposure, caution is advised if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Extremely rarely, a person will develop an allergic reaction to the radioisotope used during the scan. This may include a serious anaphylactic reaction.

Special considerations:

This procedure requires multiple scans, and the entire test may take 48 to 72 hours. You must be able to lie still during the scan.