Angiogram of the Brain

Brain Angiogram

An angiogram is a specialized sort of x-ray that is performed to look at the blood vessels, lumen, and organs of the body. This x-ray, which is also known as cerebral angiography, is carried out with the help of a special iodine dye. This dye is injected into the blood vessels near the groin or just above the elbow, using a catheter. This dye helps to clearly image the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. By looking at these images, doctors can identify any abnormalities in the blood vessels.

Reasons for Brain Angiogram

As mentioned earlier, brain angiograms are performed to allow doctors to inspect the circulatory system in the brain for any blockages or defects. Angiograms can help to identify aneurysms, which show up as a bulge in the blood vessel. Any blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain can also be clearly seen. It can also be used to identify tumors or an arteriovenous malformation. Your doctor may also prescribe an angiography if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, severe headaches, and loss of vision, balance, coordination, or memory.

Before an angiogram: Before you go in for an angiography, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind:

• If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, let your doctor know before the angiography. This is because the iodine dye can be potentially harmful to the child in your womb. Depending on the severity of your condition, the doctor may decide to postpone the test or induce early labor if you are close to your due date.

• If you have just given birth and are still nursing your infant, stop breast feeding for up to two days after the angiography. This is so that the radioactive dye has sufficient time to pass out of your system.

• If you are allergic to any medications or food items, please tell your doctor in advance. There is a chance that you may be allergic to the dye as well, and additional tests may have to be performed in order to confirm whether it is safe to go ahead with the angiography.

• If you have any kidney problems or suffer from diabetes, do tell your doctor. The dye used during the angiography can lead to further kidney damage.

• You should also let your doctor know if you suffer from asthma or are on any blood-thinning medications.