Cerebral angiogram: procedures, preparation and test results

Definition of a cerebral angiogram

What is that cerebral angiogram?

Cerebral angiogram is a test that uses X-rays to produce images of the blood vessels in the neck and head. The goal is to see any blockages, narrowing or damage to the blood vessels.

The reason is, these conditions can be a cause of stroke. Performing this test can help the doctor determine what caused the stroke and the extent of damage that has been done to the patient's blood vessels.

When to undergo cerebral angiogram?

Not all patients with blocked arteries need to have a cerebral angiogram as it is an invasive test and carries several risks. Usually this test is done only after a non-invasive test, if your doctor needs more information to plan your treatment.

Cerebral angiogram can help diagnose:

Aneurysm (rupture in the artery wall).
Arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels).
Arteriovena malformations.
Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).
Tumor.
Blood clots.
Injury to the lining of the arteries.

Cerebral angiogram It can also help your doctor figure out the cause of certain symptoms, including stroke symptoms, such as:

Severe headaches.
Memory problems.
Talk is not clear.
Dizzy.
Blurred or double vision.
Limp or numbness.
Loss of balance or coordination.

Preparation of a cerebral angiogram

What should be prepared before undergoing a cerebral angiogram?

Before undergoing a diagnosis for stroke and some other serious conditions, tell your doctor if you:

Allergy to shellfish or iodine.
There is a history of bleeding problems.
Have had an allergic reaction to X-ray contrast dye or iodine.
Is pregnant.

Do not eat or drink for 4 to 8 hours before undergoing a cerebral angiogram. You may be asked not to use aspirin or blood thinners for several days before the test and for one day after the test.

If you are using any of these drugs, talk to your doctor. The test will take a few hours, so it's best to have a bowel movement before starting the test.

Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the importance of the cerebral angiogram test, the risks, the process of operation, and the purpose of this test result.

Cerebral angiogram procedure

How is the cerebral angiogram performed?

Generally, the time required to undergo this procedure is not long. That is why patients are rarely asked to stay overnight or be hospitalized before or after undergoing it.

Before undergoing this procedure, usually the patient will be asked to do blood tests to determine whether the patient's kidneys are functioning properly, and whether the patient's body is forming blood clots normally.

Then, the patient may be asked to urinate first before undergoing this procedure, as this procedure can take up to hours.

When you and the medical professionals are ready for the cerebral angiogram, a nurse will insert an intravenous needle into a vein in your hand or arm to insert an anesthetic.

Yes, while undergoing this procedure, you will probably be sedated first, but there is no need to use a breath aid during the process. However, in some cases, the patient may need to be given anesthesia, for example when undergoing a stroke diagnosis in children and adolescents.

Next, several medical devices such as a heart rate monitor and blood pressure will be attached to your body. In addition, you will be asked to lie down on the procedure table.

During this procedure, your head will be held in place, or you may wrap it with a head brace so that you do not move it during the procedurecerebral angiogram this.

Next, the medical professional will make a small cut in the skin to allow the catheter to enter the body. With the help of an X-ray, the catheter will be inserted into the blood vessel to be examined.

The contrast paint used so that the X-ray can capture the image inside the blood vessels is removed through the catheter. With the help of a tool named power injection, the catheter will drain the fluid at the correct dose.

If the inside of the blood vessels is visible, several photos will be taken using an X-ray. These photos will show the results of this examination or test.

What should I do after undergoing a cerebral angiogram?

The cerebral angiogram takes about one to two hours. A bandage will be wrapped around the injection area. You will be given pain medication if needed.

If the caters are placed in the groin area, try to keep your legs straight for 8 hours. The doctor will give you specific instructions after the test is complete. You can use an ice pack on the infused area to relieve pain and swelling.

You can usually return home right away, although in some cases you will be asked to spend the night in the hospital. You may have bruises where the catheter was inserted.

You can drink lots of fluids to get the dye out of your body unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you have questions related to this test process, consult your doctor to better understand the condition you are experiencing.

Risk of cerebral angiogram

According to RadiologyInfo for Patients, there are several risks that you need to be aware of when undergoing a cerebral angiogram, such as the following.

Radiation exposure while undergoing this procedure can increase your chances of developing cancer.
There is a possible risk of having an allergic reaction to the tools and materials used in this procedure.
Nursing mothers are advised to wait up to 24 hours after the contrast dye is injected into the body before starting breastfeeding again.
If you have kidney disease, the dye used in this procedure can potentially injure the kidneys.
Any procedure that involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel increases the risk of damage, bleeding, injury, and infection to the blood vessel.
Although it is rare, there is a possibility that the catheter will damage the arteries, causing bleeding in the brain.

Therefore, before undergoing a cerebral angiogram, it is better to consider the advantages and disadvantages, especially for your overall health condition.

Explanation of the results of the cerebral angiogram

What do the test results I get from the cerebral angiogram mean?

After undergoing this procedure, the test results will determine whether you have had a stroke or not. The results of the test will usually be read together with a doctor or medical professional to avoid any misunderstandings.

The following is an overview of the results of the cerebral angiogram test that you underwent:

Angiogram of the head and neck
Normal:	Blood vessels are normal in terms of size, shape, placement and number.
The dye flows evenly through the blood vessels.
There was no visible narrowing, blockage, or other problems with the blood vessels.
Abnormal:	A narrowing point in the artery indicates that fatty deposits, calcium deposits, or clots are reducing blood flow to the blood vessels.
Blood vessels not in their normal position can indicate the presence of tumors or other growths pushing against them.
A lump in a blood vessel indicates weakness in the vessel wall (aneurysm).
Abnormal patterns in blood vessels indicate a tumor.
The dye comes out of the blood vessels indicating a hole in the blood vessel.
The presence of abnormal branching in the blood vessels from birth (congenital).