13476 Cerebral Angiogram

Overview

A cerebral angiogram is a hospital test that takes detailed pictures of the blood vessels in your brain and neck. It uses X-rays and a special dye called contrast. The dye is put into a blood vessel through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The test helps your doctor see narrowed, blocked, or abnormal blood vessels and plan the right care.

It is not a routine test. Doctors usually suggest it when other scans, such as a CT or MRI scan, do not give enough detail about the blood vessels in the brain.

It can be used for people of any age who may have a problem with the blood vessels in the brain or neck. It is sometimes used in children, with a specialist children's team.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people do not have symptoms from the test itself. Before the test, symptoms depend on the reason it is needed.
• Possible warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• A sudden, very severe headache.
• Seizures, fainting, or confusion.
• Vision changes, such as loss of vision or double vision.

Symptoms in children

• Children may have the same warning signs as adults, but they may not be able to explain them clearly.
• A child may have a seizure, sudden weakness, a severe headache, or a change in behaviour.
• The children's team will explain the test in a child-friendly way and may use medicine to keep the child asleep and comfortable during the test.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may need this test after a stroke or a mini-stroke, or to check narrowed blood vessels.
• Because older adults may have other health conditions, the team checks kidney function, heart health, and all medicines before the test.
• The team will also consider balance, frailty, and any support you need at home after the test.

Causes

Main causes

• A cerebral angiogram is not caused by anything. It is a test used to look for the cause of a blood vessel problem.
• It may be used to check for a bulging blood vessel, known as an aneurysm.
• It may be used to check for a tangled connection between blood vessels, known as an arteriovenous malformation.
• It may be used to find bleeding, narrowed or blocked blood vessels, inflammation of blood vessels, or a tumour's blood supply.
• It may also help plan surgery or another procedure to repair a blood vessel.

Risk factors

• Risks from the test can be higher if you have kidney disease or diabetes.
• A previous allergic reaction to contrast dye can be important to tell the team about.
• Bleeding problems or blood-thinning medicines can raise the risk of bleeding at the puncture site.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart failure, or being pregnant should be discussed with the team before the test.
• Older age can mean extra checks are needed, but it does not automatically stop you having the test.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• After the test, contact your GP or the hospital team the same day if you have a fever, redness or warmth at the puncture site, or pain that is getting worse.
• Contact the team the same day if you feel dizzy, have a mild headache that is getting worse, or are not able to drink fluids.
• Contact the team the same day if you notice a small amount of bleeding or bruising that is spreading.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Ask your GP or specialist team about anything you do not understand before the test, such as fasting, medicines, or allergies.
• Ask when you can return to work, drive, exercise, or lift heavy objects.
• Make a routine appointment to discuss the results and what they mean for you.
• Ask about mild bruising or tenderness at the puncture site if it is not settling as expected.

Diagnosis

A cerebral angiogram is itself a test, not a diagnosis. It helps your doctor find the cause of a blood vessel problem and decide on the best treatment. Your doctor will use the pictures together with your symptoms, examination, and other scan results.

Tests that may be done

• A review of your medical history, allergies, and all medicines you take.
• Blood tests to check kidney function and how well your blood clots.
• A pregnancy check when needed.
• A CT or MRI scan before the angiogram, if you have not already had one.
• The cerebral angiogram itself, which takes detailed X-ray pictures of the blood vessels.

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the test. You will lie on a table and the skin at the puncture site, often the groin or wrist, will be numbed. A thin tube is guided into a blood vessel, contrast dye is injected, and pictures are taken. You may feel warm or flushed when the dye goes in. Afterward, the team will press on the site and watch you for several hours. Arrange for someone to take you home.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the angiogram shows. Sometimes no treatment is needed and the team will monitor you. If a problem is found, your specialist team will explain the options, including medicines, a procedure to repair the blood vessel, or surgery.

Self-care at home

• Follow the discharge instructions you are given about rest, drinking fluids, and caring for the puncture site.
• Keep the puncture site clean and dry, and check it for bleeding or swelling.
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining, and strenuous exercise for as long as your team advises.
• Do not drive until you are told it is safe, especially if you were given medicine to help you relax.
• Keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor tells you to change them.

Medical treatments

Your team may recommend watching and waiting, medicines to lower the risk of stroke or control blood pressure, or a specialist procedure to repair a blood vessel. They will explain the benefits and risks of each option for your situation. No two people are the same, so the plan will be tailored to you.

When is surgery considered?

If the angiogram shows a bleeding aneurysm, a weak blood vessel, a malformation, or a severe narrowing, a specialist may recommend surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. The decision depends on your age, general health, and the exact problem found. Your team will discuss this with you in detail.

Living with this condition

Most people can return to normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours, but follow your team's advice. Drink fluids, rest when you need to, and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the time they recommend.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke, and get help to stop if you do.
• Keep your blood pressure within the range your doctor recommends.
• Eat a balanced diet and stay active in a way that suits you.
• Attend follow-up appointments and know the warning signs of stroke.
• Tell your doctor about any new symptoms or worries.

Diet and exercise

Eat a variety of foods, including fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Limit salty and highly processed foods. Build activity back gradually after the test. Ask your team when it is safe to return to your normal exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious before or after a cerebral angiogram. You may worry about the results or the procedure itself. Talk to your specialist team, your GP, or someone you trust. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, seek local crisis support or emergency care.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for a cerebral angiogram, but you can lower your risk of stroke and blood vessel problems by not smoking, keeping blood pressure healthy, staying active, and attending routine health checks.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for this test. Keep up with any routine vaccines your doctor recommends.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for brain aneurysms for most people. If you have a strong family history or a condition that raises your risk, ask your doctor whether screening is right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a problem found by the angiogram is not checked, it could lead to bleeding in the brain, a stroke, seizures, or vision problems.
• Not every finding is dangerous. Some small problems can be monitored safely.
• Your specialist team will explain your personal risk and the choices available to you.

Long-term outlook

Most people recover well from a cerebral angiogram. Serious complications are uncommon but possible, and the specialist team will discuss your personal risks with you. The test can give important information that helps you and your doctor make the best plan for your health.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.