Phase contrast MRI characterization and mathematical modeling of the cerebrospinal fluid dynamics along the spinal canal *

Phase contrast (PC) MRI flow measurements in 6 healthy adult subjects are used to quantify the motion of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) along the spinal canal. Measurements are taken at multiple locations in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, thereby enabling a complete characterization of the oscillatory axial flow. The results are used to inform a one-dimensional description for the wave dynamics incorporating a linear elastic model for the spinal-canal compliance as well as the effect of flow resistance due to microanatomical features. The analysis provides increased understanding of the connection between the intracranial pressure fluctuations and the resulting CSF pulsating flow.