Cerebral Angiography is a test that uses contrast dye and x-rays to see how blood is flowing through the brain.

Your doctor may order this test to find problems with the blood vessels in your brain, a brain tumor, look at arteries before brain surgery, or to find a blood clot after a stroke. This test may also be needed if you have signs or symptoms of abnormal blood vessels, aneurysm, narrowing arteries in brain, or vasculitis.

How to Prepare:

• The radiologist will meet with you and discuss the test
• Tell your doctor if you have allergies, a history of bleeding problems, and if you are pregnant
• You will need to fast the day of the procedure

What to Expect:

• You will need to remove all clothing and wear a hospital gown.  The nurse will place an IV line.
• You will lie down on an x-ray table and receive a mild sedative to help you relax.
• After your skin is numbed, a catheter or thin plastic tube will be inserted into your hip area to deliver the contrast dye to blood vessels.
• The x-rays will detect if there are any problems with your blood flow.
• After the procedure, the catheter will be removed.
• Pressure and bandaging will be applied to the injection site.

After the Procedure:

• You will be monitored for several hours as the puncture hole near the hip heals and the sedative wears off.