Cerebral angiography

Cerebral angiography is done in the hospital or radiology center. You lie on an x-ray table. Your head is held still using a strap, tape, or sandbags, so you do not move it during the procedure. Before the test starts, you are given a mild sedative to help you relax. An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors your heart…

Before the procedure, your provider will examine you and may order blood tests. Tell your provider if you: Have a history of bleeding problems or take medicines that are blood thinners Have had an allergic reaction to x-ray contrast dye or any iodine substance May be pregnant Have kidney function problems You may be…

The x-ray table may feel hard and cold. You may ask for a blanket or pillow. Some people feel a sting when the numbing medicine (anesthetic) is given. You will feel a brief, sharp pain and pressure as the catheter is moved into the body. Once the initial placement is complete, you will not feel the catheter any…

Cerebral angiography is most often used to identify or confirm problems with the blood vessels in or around the brain. Your provider may order this test if you have symptoms or signs of: Abnormal blood vessels in the brain (vascular malformation) Bulging blood vessel in the brain ( aneurysm ) Narrowing of the arteries…

Contrast dye flowing out of the blood vessel may be a sign of bleeding. Narrowed or blocked arteries may suggest: Cholesterol deposits A spasm of a brain artery Inherited disorders Blood clots causing a stroke Out of place blood vessels may be due to: Brain tumors Bleeding within the skull Aneurysm Abnormal connection…

Complications may include: Allergic reaction to the contrast dye Blood clot or bleeding where the catheter is inserted, which could partly block blood flow to the leg or hand (rare) Damage to an artery or artery wall from the catheter, which can block blood flow and cause a stroke (rare) Damage to the kidneys from the…

Tell your provider right away if you have: Weakness in your face muscles Numbness in your leg during or after the procedure Slurred speech during or after the procedure Vision problems during or after the procedure

Adamczyk P, Liebeskind DS. Vascular imaging: computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and ultrasound. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 41. Barras CD, Bhattacharya JJ.…