Your Cerebral Angiography Journey

We want to ensure that you receive the highest level of healthcare. This means keeping you educated and informed about what is involved in the different stages of your Cerebral Angiography. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your doctor or medical team.

Understanding Cerebral Angiography

Cerebral Angiography (also known as a cerebral arteriogram) is a diagnostic procedure that uses X-ray imaging and contrast dye to visualise the arteries and veins in your brain and neck.

It helps doctors detect and evaluate:

Aneurysms (bulging or weakened blood vessel walls)
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Vessel narrowing or blockages (stenosis)
Blood clots or stroke causes
Bleeding (hemorrhage)
Vessel involvement in brain tumours

Reasons for Cerebral Angiography

This Test provides more detailed images than MRI or CT scans. It is often used when:

1
Other imaging is unclear,
2
A surgical or interventional procedure is being planned, or
3
Treatment decisions depend on the precise blood vessel anatomy.

Preparing for Your Procedure

What to Tell Your Doctor Before the test, inform your care team if:

1
You are pregnant or may be pregnant
2
You have allergies, especially to iodine, contrast dye, or shellfish
3
You have kidney problems
4
You are taking blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel)
5
You have diabetes (especially if on metformin)
6
You’ve had a reaction to contrast dye in the past.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

Your medical team will provide specific instructions, some of which are included below.

Instruction	Details
Fasting	Don’t eat or drink anything except water) for 6 hours before the test.
Medications	You may need to stop blood thinners 2–5 days in advance. Always follow your doctor’s guidance.
Blood Tests	You may have kidney function or clotting tests before the procedure.
Transportation	You may feel drowsy after the test. Do not drive yourself home; arrange for someone to accompany you.

Packing for the Hospital

Bring the following with you on the day: Leave all valuables and jewellery at home.

1
A list of all medications and allergies
2
Government-issued ID
3
Health insurance information
4
Comfortable clothing (you’ll change into a gown).

The Day of the Procedure

On Arrival

1
You’ll check in at the nurses station.
2
A nurse will place an IV line in your arm for fluids and medications.
3
You’ll change into a hospital gown.

Before the Procedure

1
You’ll meet the anaesthetist and your medical team.
2
You may receive a mild sedative to help you relax.
3
Your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen) will be monitored.

What to Expect During Cerebral Angiography

STEP 1: Catheter Insertion

The doctor will clean and numb the area—usually your groin or wrist. A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery and guided up to the brain using X-ray images (fluoroscopy).

STEP 2: Contrast Dye Injection

A special dye is injected through the catheter. You may feel a warm flush, metallic taste, or brief dizziness—this is normal and passes quickly. X-rays are taken in real-time to capture detailed views of your brain’s blood vessels.

STEP 3: Completion

Once imaging is complete, the catheter is gently removed. Pressure is applied to the site for 10–20 minutes to stop bleeding. A small bandage or closure device is applied.

Recovery after Cerebral Angiography

In the Recovery Room

1
You’ll be monitored for 4–6 hours.
2
You’ll need to lie flat for a period to prevent bleeding at the insertion site.
3
Nurses will check your blood pressure, pulse, and insertion site frequently.
4
Most patients go home the same day. If additional treatment or monitoring is needed, you may be admitted.

Caring for Yourself at Home

Timeframe	What to Do/Watch For
First 24 Hours	Rest. Keep the bandage clean and dry. Drink fluids to help flush the dye from your system.
2-3 Days	Mild bruising, soreness, or a small lump at the puncture site is normal.
1 Week	Avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and long baths. Showering is okay.
Long-term	Follow-up with your doctor to review results and plan next steps.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you notice:

1
Bleeding or a rapidly growing lump at the catheter site
2
Numbness, weakness, or coldness in your leg or arm
3
Fever or chills
4
Severe headache
5
Vision changes or difficulty speaking
6
Chest pain or shortness of breath.

Follow-Up Appointments

After the test:

1
Your results will be reviewed by your neurologist or specialist;
2
You may have a follow-up visit within 1–2 weeks; and
3
Your doctor will discuss options if treatment (e.g., surgery, embolisation, or stenting), is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may feel a pinch during the numbing injection. The Test itself should not be painful, though you may feel pressure or warmth during the dye injection.

The procedure usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on complexity.

Risks are rare but can include: - Bleeding or bruising at the puncture site - Allergic reaction to contrast dye - Infection - Blood clots or stroke Kidney strain from contrast. Your medical team will monitor you closely and take every precaution to reduce risk.

Most people return to normal activities within 1–2 days, depending on how they feel.

Yes. Once you’re fully awake and stable, you can resume eating. Drinking fluids is encouraged to help clear the dye from your body.