Why it is prescribed, procedure and preparation

overview

Advances in the healthcare sector provide a variety of tests and procedures that allow proper diagnosis. This blog is a comprehensive guide to the cerebral angiography procedure. Read our blog to understand when you might need a cerebral angiogram, how to prepare for it, and what happens during and after surgery.

What is a cerebral angiogram?

cerebrum angiography X-ray of the brain taken by cerebral angiography. Cerebral angiography examines the arteries of the brain to check for abnormalities. Cerebral angiography is a procedure, and cerebral angiography is an X-ray itself. These phrases are often used interchangeably.

For cerebral angiography, a catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) is inserted into an artery in the arm or leg. A technician injects a specific dye through a catheter into a blood vessel that leads to the brain. X-rays scan the brain during cerebral angiography to reveal abnormalities in blood vessels.

Cerebral angiography usually follows detection of abnormalities by another test. This procedure is usually stroke.

When is Cerebral Angiography Prescribed?

Before surgery, your doctor may advise you to have a cerebral angiogram to assess the problem and find or identify any abnormalities. Doctors recommend this test to provide a definitive diagnosis when previous tests have failed. Cerebral angiography can identify some blood vessel abnormalities, such as:

• blood clot
• Spasm of blood vessels
• complete vascular occlusion
• swelling of blood vessels
• narrowing of blood vessels
• buildup of plaque in blood vessels, known as atherosclerosis
• Inflammation that causes stenosis
• Abnormal tangles of blood vessels

Ready for cerebral angiography?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. Always inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinners, are pregnant, have a history of bleeding disorders, have allergies or sensitivities, or are allergic to any drug or substance.

Your doctor may also tell you to fast before surgery. To avoid further complications, your doctor may temporarily stop using blood thinners (anticoagulants) before the procedure. Your doctor may prescribe additional tests, such as blood tests.

What Happens During Cerebral Angiography?

During a cerebral angiogram, you must remove all jewelry and plain clothes and change into a hospital gown.Physicians can administer topically anesthesia Insert the catheter into the incision site. A contrast agent is injected into the carotid artery through a catheter. You may feel more heat while the contrast agent is being injected. During surgery, a team of specialists, including technicians and radiologists, work together to take x-ray images of her arteries in her brain. It may take him an hour or two to complete the treatment, and he will remain awake during the operation.

What happens after cerebral angiography?

Depending on the incision site, you may need to lie in bed for several hours after surgery. Your doctor may recommend using ice or taking pain relievers to reduce discomfort and swelling during that time. Your health care provider may also suggest:

1. diet: Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, follow your normal diet after the procedure. You will be encouraged to drink plenty of liquids to wash the contrast agent out of your body. ‌
2. activity: Normal activity can usually be resumed within 8-12 hours. Your doctor may advise you to take breaks from physically demanding activities.

When are you going to call your doctor?

Minor bruising and light bleeding at the injection site are common.Nonetheless, note any changes in body temperature, skin discoloration, discomfort, numbness, or loss of movement in the limbs near the surgical site. heatredness, edema, bleeding, abnormal discharge, language or vision changes, dizziness, shortness of breath, muscle tremors, or chest painCall your doctor right away if you observe any of these signs.

What are the risks of cerebral angiography?

You may feel some discomfort or pain while inserting the catheter. Therefore, your healthcare provider will administer anesthesia to reduce discomfort. Catheters can also rip off plaque and block blood vessels in the brain, causing a stroke. Before treatment, your doctor will discuss possible complications with you.

Conclusion

Cerebral angiography emits small amounts of radiation that can cause problems for pregnant women and their fetuses. Contrast agents can cause allergic reactions in some people. Apart from these, the procedure is harmless and effective in getting a clear picture of brain abnormalities. Please discuss your allergies and health conditions with your healthcare provider before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should breastfeeding be avoided after cerebral angiography?

it is recommended not to breastfeeding For your child for 24 hours after the procedure. Milk can be pumped and given to the child before the procedure.

Do all arterial occlusions require cerebral angiography?

no. Cerebral angiography is performed only if the healthcare provider deems it essential to develop an appropriate treatment plan.