Cerebral Angiogram Test

What is it?

• it takes x-ray pictures of the blood vessels in your head
• a contrast medium (dye) will be injected into your blood vessels so that they may be viewed on an x-ray film.

How long does it take?

• about 2 to 3 hours
• there is a 6 to 8 hour resting period after the test
• plan on being at the hospital all day

Why is a Cerebral Angiogram performed?

• it determines if there are any abnormal widenings, narrowings, obstructions, malformations, or displacements in your brain's blood vessels

Does it hurt?

• you may experience a hot, uncomfortable sensation in your head as the dye is injected into your blood vessels
• this discomfort lasts from 5 to 20 seconds

Where is it conducted?

• CT/Interventional Area
• 3rd floor of the Colloton Pavillion

How many are performed each year?

• over 400

What should you do to prepare for the test?

• if you are taking coumadin or aspirin, your doctor will give you specific instructions on how and when to discontinue these medications
• you will have some blood tests taken within ten days of the test
• there are some specific dietary restrictions:
  • if your angiogram is scheduled for the morning, you should have no food or drink after midnight the night before the test
• dietary restrictions
  • if your test is scheduled for the afternoon, you may have clear liquids after midnight. This may inlcude a liquid breakfast the day of the test, depending on the time it is scheduled. Ask your doctor.
  • bring someone who can drive you home after the test, or the procedure will not be done

Preparing for the test

• come to the Neurology Clinic at 7:00 a.m.
• you will be released from the hospital around 5:00 p.m., if no problems are encountered
• the Radiology Department may ask you to stay in the Iowa City area if you have diffculties

What should you be sure to tell your doctor before the test begins?

• if you are a diabetic
• if you hve any history of allergy
• if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant

Before the test

• you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and to empty your bladder
• you may be given a blood test
• you will have an IV started either on the nursing unit or in x-ray. This is done to provide you with additional fluids.
• you will be taken to the procedure room and assisted onto an x-ray table
• the area where a small incision will be made will be cleaned and shaved. This area will usually be your groin.
• a blood pressure cuff, a heart monitor, and a pulse oximeter on the finger will likely be put in place
• a sterile drape will be placed over your chest, stomach, and legs. It is important to keep your arms at your sides.
• to help you remain still, your head will be secured to the examination table with straps
• please inform the nurse or physician if you would like an injection for pain or anxiety. We want you to be comfortable.

During the test

• a small catheter is inserted into an artery through a 1/2 inch incision. An injection of anesthetic (lidocaine) is given to prevent pain.
• a dye will be injected into the catheter
• as the dye travels through your blood vessels, heart, brain, x-rays will be taken very rapidly (several per second)
• during this injection, you may feel a hot, uncomfortable feeling in your head that lasts 5 to 20 seconds.
• you will be given special instructions for breathing while the x-rays are being taken.
• you will be asked not to swallow
• the nurse may occasionally ask you orientation questions, or request that you do simple tasks during the test to monitor how you are feeling

After the test

• the catheter will be removed and pressure applied to the area for about ten minutes so that the artery does not bleed
• you will be asked to lie flat in bed for 6 to 8 hours
• if you need to turn from side to side, you must be assisted
• you must use a bedpan or urinal during this resting period
• your nurse will frequently check your vital signs, the site of the incision, and your pulse
• if you notice any swelling, bleeding, or pain in the area of the incision, notify your nurse immediately
• if you have any trouble breathing, or notice any itching, rash or hives, notify your nurse immediately - these may be early symptoms of an allergic reaction to the dye
• it is common to have a bruise in the area around the catheter site
• drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys flush out the dye. The IV will be removed once you begin drinking fluids

What can I do afterwards?

• usually, you may eat after the test
• drink fluids
• you may be driven home after the resting period if no problems are encountered
• avoid activities during the next 2 to 3 days that may stress the incision site. Do NOT lift heavy objects or make movements that repeatedly flex the leg at the hip joint
• avoid driving or operating machinery for at lest 24 hours
• you will learn the test results either from your doctor before you leave, or from a copy of a letter sent to your personal physician

See related Patient Textbooks about Neurology.

See related Patient Topics Diagnostic Imaging, Neurology or Procedures and Therapies.

See related Provider Textbooks about Neurology.

See related Provider Topics Diagnostic Imaging, Neurology or Procedures and Therapies.

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http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/neurology/cerebralangiogramtest/index.html