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Discharge Instructions for Cisternogram

 

What is a Cisternogram?

A cisternogram starts with a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Contrast dye and/or radioactive materials are injected into your spinal canal. Then a series of scans are done to see how the contrast dye travels with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the spine. The test looks for a CSF leak in the spinal canal or other spinal problems.

 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed. 

 

Recovering from Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off.

 

Recovery Instructions

Pain/Discomfort: 

  • You may have a mild headache or backache at the puncture site, where the needle entered your skin. This will improve over the next few days. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, it may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter medication that you may take if needed for pain. If you are unable to take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) due to a medical condition such as liver disease, ask your doctor for recommendations.

 

Diet:

  • Drink plenty of fluids today unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This may prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.
  • Caffeine may prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.

 

Activity:

  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 24 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • Lie down flat to prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.
  • You can go back to normal activities tomorrow, including work and driving, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
  • Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting for one week.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site:

 

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the needle entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely.
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.

 

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Make a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor to review the results of the adrenal vein sampling and form a plan of care. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take. 

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You pass out (lose consciousness).

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have a very bad headache and nausea, vomiting, and/or dizziness.
  • You have a headache that lasts longer than 24 hours.
  • You have any drainage or bleeding from the puncture site.
  • You have any numbness or tingling in your legs.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Neuro Radiology:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
  • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Neuro Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Discharge Instructions for Cisternogram

 

What is a Cisternogram?

A cisternogram starts with a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Contrast dye and/or radioactive materials are injected into your spinal canal. Then a series of scans are done to see how the contrast dye travels with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the spine. The test looks for a CSF leak in the spinal canal or other spinal problems.

 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed. 

 

Recovering from Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off.

 

Recovery Instructions

Pain/Discomfort: 

  • You may have a mild headache or backache at the puncture site, where the needle entered your skin. This will improve over the next few days. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, it may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter medication that you may take if needed for pain. If you are unable to take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) due to a medical condition such as liver disease, ask your doctor for recommendations.

 

Diet:

  • Drink plenty of fluids today unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This may prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.
  • Caffeine may prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.

 

Activity:

  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 24 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • Lie down flat to prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.
  • You can go back to normal activities tomorrow, including work and driving, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
  • Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting for one week.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site:

 

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the needle entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely.
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.

 

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Make a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor to review the results of the adrenal vein sampling and form a plan of care. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take. 

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You pass out (lose consciousness).

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have a very bad headache and nausea, vomiting, and/or dizziness.
  • You have a headache that lasts longer than 24 hours.
  • You have any drainage or bleeding from the puncture site.
  • You have any numbness or tingling in your legs.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Neuro Radiology:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
  • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Neuro Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Discharge Instructions for Cisternogram

 

What is a Cisternogram?

A cisternogram starts with a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Contrast dye and/or radioactive materials are injected into your spinal canal. Then a series of scans are done to see how the contrast dye travels with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the spine. The test looks for a CSF leak in the spinal canal or other spinal problems.

 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed. 

 

Recovering from Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off.

 

Recovery Instructions

Pain/Discomfort: 

  • You may have a mild headache or backache at the puncture site, where the needle entered your skin. This will improve over the next few days. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, it may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter medication that you may take if needed for pain. If you are unable to take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) due to a medical condition such as liver disease, ask your doctor for recommendations.

 

Diet:

  • Drink plenty of fluids today unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This may prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.
  • Caffeine may prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.

 

Activity:

  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 24 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • Lie down flat to prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.
  • You can go back to normal activities tomorrow, including work and driving, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
  • Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting for one week.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site:

 

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the needle entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely.
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.

 

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Make a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor to review the results of the adrenal vein sampling and form a plan of care. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take. 

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You pass out (lose consciousness).

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have a very bad headache and nausea, vomiting, and/or dizziness.
  • You have a headache that lasts longer than 24 hours.
  • You have any drainage or bleeding from the puncture site.
  • You have any numbness or tingling in your legs.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Neuro Radiology:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
  • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Neuro Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

Discharge Instructions for Cisternogram

 

What is a Cisternogram?

A cisternogram starts with a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. Contrast dye and/or radioactive materials are injected into your spinal canal. Then a series of scans are done to see how the contrast dye travels with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the spine. The test looks for a CSF leak in the spinal canal or other spinal problems.

 

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed. 

 

Recovering from Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off.

 

Recovery Instructions

Pain/Discomfort: 

  • You may have a mild headache or backache at the puncture site, where the needle entered your skin. This will improve over the next few days. Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, it may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an over-the-counter medication that you may take if needed for pain. If you are unable to take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) due to a medical condition such as liver disease, ask your doctor for recommendations.

 

Diet:

  • Drink plenty of fluids today unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This may prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.
  • Caffeine may prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.

 

Activity:

  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 24 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • Lie down flat to prevent a headache or keep a headache from getting worse.
  • You can go back to normal activities tomorrow, including work and driving, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
  • Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting for one week.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site:

 

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the needle entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days.

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely.
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.

 

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Make a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor to review the results of the adrenal vein sampling and form a plan of care. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take. 

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You pass out (lose consciousness).

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have a very bad headache and nausea, vomiting, and/or dizziness.
  • You have a headache that lasts longer than 24 hours.
  • You have any drainage or bleeding from the puncture site.
  • You have any numbness or tingling in your legs.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Neuro Radiology:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
  • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Neuro Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.

 

© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.

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