Cerebral Angiogram
What Is It?
A cerebral angiogram is a test to look at the blood vessels in your brain. It is a test in which we take a series of x-ray pictures (fluoroscopy) with the use of (x-ray dye) contrast. The contrast allows the doctor to see the blood vessels (arteries) in your neck and head on TV screens in real time. The test often lasts 1-2 hours.
Why Do You Need an Angiogram?
This test is used to check the blood flow through an artery. Your doctor may want you to have this test to check blood flow before surgery or to look for an area of blockage.
Let us know if you have sleep apnea or use a machine at night when you sleep. This is important to know so we can safely use medicines that make you sleepy during the procedure.
Day of the Test
The morning of the test, do not eat solid foods or milk for 6 hours before the exam. Do not drink clear liquids (anything you can see through) less than 2 hours before the exam. On the morning of the test, you may take your oral medicines with small sips of water unless your doctor or nurse has told you otherwise.
If you have diabetes and take insulin, we ask you to take one half (1/2) of your normal morning dose on the day of the test. If you take a medicine called Glucophage (metformin) you should NOT take it the morning of the angiogram. You will not take this medication for 48 hours after the angiogram. Please tell your doctor if you are taking any oral diabetes medicines.
A nurse will take you to a special room (the angio suite). A small tube may be placed into your bladder to drain urine since you will not be able to get up to go to the bathroom during or after the test. We may need extra blood or urine tests before your angiogram and will get them at that time.
A doctor (a neuroradiologist) will go over details of the angiogram with you and answer any questions you might have.
When it is time for your angiogram, you will be taken to a special room (the angio suite). You will lie flat on a table that moves. The nurse will connect monitors to watch your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. You will be given medicine to make you sleepy. Once you are ready, the groin area just above your leg (near the hip bone and inner thigh) will be shaved and then cleansed with a liquid that may feel very cold. You will be covered by sterile sheets and an anesthetic will be used to numb that site before the small tube (catheter) is placed into the artery.
During the Test
During the test, you will need to lie very still to get the best results. As the catheter is guided through your blood vessels, the path will be checked by x-rays. Once the catheter is in place, there will be several injections of x-ray dye. You may have a warm feeling on the side of your neck and face, lasting 30-60 seconds. This is normal. The clicking noise you hear from the x-ray machines is normal. You may also notice the lights in the room turning on and off. The doctors and staff step out of the room for a short time while the x-rays are being taken. At any time during the test, if you feel uncomfortable or short of breath, tell your doctor.
After the Test
Once the angiogram is done, the catheter will be removed and firm pressure placed on the area for about 15-30 minutes to prevent bleeding. For some time, you will need to keep your leg straight. You may roll side to side with help from your nurse. A nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, and the catheter site often in the first hours following the test. You will also be asked to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the dye from your system, 10-20 glasses of fluid for the first 24 hours. You may remove the bandage over the groin the next day and gently wash the area with a mild soap and water. Do not rub this area to dry the skin. You should only ‘blot’ the area with a towel.
Activities for the Next Week
• Do not soak in a bath tub or hot tub.
• You should not do any heavy lifting (over 10 pounds).
• No vigorous activity.
• No swimming.
• You may remove the bandage over the groin the next day and gently wash
the area with a mild soap and water. Do not rub this area to dry the skin. You
should only ‘blot’ the area with a towel.
What to Expect
• The puncture site might be tender or sore. This often goes away after a few
days, but it can last up to one week.
• You may notice some bruising in your groin. This goes away after 2-3 weeks.
• Some patients feel a small hard bump about the size of a peanut at the groin
site. This is normal and generally goes away after several months.
When to Call the Doctor
• If puncture site becomes red and/or hot.
• If any yellow or green drainage comes from site.
• If swelling occurs at the site.
• If your temperature goes above 100°F.
• If you have severe pain or spasm in the leg.
• If numbness or tingling occurs in foot or leg.
• If itching, hives, or rash appear.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 09/17/2012
Copyright © 09/17/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7417
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