Cerebral Angiography
Alternate Names : Cerebral Angiogram, Neuroangiography, Neuroangiogram
What is involved in preparation for the test?
Special preparation is needed before the test. A brief physical exam is
done to evaluate pulses in the groin and legs. If a person has a weak pulse in the groin,
a different artery will be used to insert the catheter. The doctor will also review the person's medical
and surgical history. He or she may ask whether the person:
takes medicines that thin the blood, such as aspirin or warfarin
has a bleeding tendency or any blood disorders
the person has any problem with or disease that affects the kidneys
has had a prior allergic reaction
to contrast agent or dye
Before the test, the person's blood is tested to check for any bleeding tendency
and to check kidney function. A woman of childbearing age will be screened for
pregnancy,
usually with a urine or blood pregnancy test. This is done because the radiation from the test
could harm an unborn child.
The person cannot eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before the test.
Dentures, eyeglasses, and jewelry, such as a necklace or earrings, should be removed
before the exam.
The risks, benefits, and complications of the test are usually explained to
the person on the day of the procedure. Some possible complications from the test
include:
allergic reactions
to the contrast agent used
bleeding in the groin
heart attack,
which occurs in less than 1% of cases
irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias
stroke,
which occurs in less than 1% of cases
If procedures are done during the exam, such as
angioplasty,
additional risks are involved. These will be discussed by the doctor before the test.
This test may be done on an outpatient basis. This means that the person
can go home after the test. Sometimes, a person must stay in the hospital for a day or
more after the test. Often, this test is used for people in the hospital with serious or
life-threatening central nervous system disorders.
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