A cerebral angiogram is a procedure that is used to examine the blood vessels in the brain and neck. Contrast dye is injected through a thin tube (catheter) into an artery. X-ray pictures are then taken. The pictures can show an abnormality in a blood vessel, such as a blockage, narrowing (stenosis), or bulging (aneurysm).

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have, including allergies to medicines, shellfish, contrast dye, or iodine.

  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

  • Any blood thinning medicines you take, such as aspirin or warfarin.

  • Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.

  • Any blood disorders you have.

  • Any surgeries you have had.

  • Any medical conditions you have or have had, including kidney problems or kidney failure.

  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Problems in the insertion site, such as bleeding, bruising, infection, or collection of blood under the skin (hematoma).

  • Allergic reaction to medicines or dyes.

  • Damage to nearby structures or organs, including blood vessels or arteries. Also, contrast dye can damage the kidneys.

  • Blood clot.

  • Weakness, numbness, speech, or vision problems. This is usually temporary.

  • Stroke.

  • Amnesia, or being unable to remember what happened (rare). This is temporary.

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your healthcare provider about hydration, which may include:

  • Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking, which may include:

  • 8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods, such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.

  • 6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.

  • 6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.

  • 2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

Medicines

Ask your health care provider about:

  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.

  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

General instructions

  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

  • You may have blood tests done.

  • Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.

  • If you will be going home the same day of the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

  • Ask your health care provider what steps will be taken to prevent infection. These may include:

    • Removing hair at the insertion site.

    • Washing skin with a germ-killing soap.

    • Taking antibiotic medicine.

What happens during the procedure?

  • You will lie on an X-ray table. Your head and legs may be strapped down.

  • An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.

  • You will be given one or both of the following:

    • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).

    • A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic) where the catheter will be inserted, usually in your groin, leg, or arm.

  • Your heart rate and other vital signs will be watched carefully. Electrodes may be placed on your chest.

  • A small incision will be made. The catheter will be moved through the incision up to the blood vessels in your neck and brain.

  • Dye will be injected into the catheter and will travel to the blood vessels of the brain and neck. You may notice a warm feeling or strange taste in your mouth.

  • You will be asked to lie still. X-rays will be taken to show the flow of the dye through the blood vessels in the brain and neck.

  • If an abnormality is found in a blood vessel, another procedure may be done to treat the problem.

  • Tell your health care provider if you develop chest pain or trouble breathing during the procedure.

  • When the images are finished, the catheter will be removed. Pressure will be applied to stop bleeding.

  • A closure device may be placed into the access site to form a seal. The seal stops bleeding and helps the artery heal.

  • A bandage (dressing)will be applied over the small opening in the skin.

  • Your IV will be removed.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until you leave the hospital or clinic.

  • You will be asked to lie flat for several hours. You will keep the limb where the catheter was inserted straight.

  • The insertion site and the pulse in your foot or wrist will be checked often.

  • You will be told to drink plenty of fluids. This will help flush the contrast dye out of your system.

  • Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a sedative during your procedure.

  • It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.

Summary

  • A cerebral angiogram is a procedure that checks the health of the blood vessels in the brain and neck.

  • You will be given a sedativeand a local anesthetic. You may feel pressure when the catheter is inserted and warmth when the dye is injected.

  • Contrast dye is injected through a catheter into an artery. X-rays are taken to look for an abnormality, such as blockage or narrowing.

  • After the procedure, you will be asked to lie flat for several hours. Do not drive for 24 hours, or until a health care provider tells you to.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.