Understanding Cerebral Angiography

This test makes X-ray images of blood vessels in your brain. During the test, the healthcare provider puts a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter) into a blood vessel and moves it to the brain. They use a special contrast fluid to make the blood vessels in the brain show up on the X-rays. This test is also called arteriography.

Side view of head, brain, and blood vessels to the brain.

Why cerebral angiography is done

This test is done to help find problems with the blood vessels in the brain. These may include:

  • Weakened area of blood vessel (aneurysm)

  • Tangle of arteries and veins (arteriovenous malformation or AVM)

  • Blood clots or bleeding. This may have caused a stroke or another problem.

  • Brain tumor

  • Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)

  • Evaluation of arteries before surgery

  • Stroke

Before you have this test, tell your provider if you:

  • Have bleeding problems

  • Take medicines that thin your blood such as warfarin or aspirin

  • Have allergies to X-ray contrast dye or iodine

  • May be pregnant

  • Have problems with your kidney function

How cerebral angiography is done

The test is done in a hospital or procedure center. You will likely go home the same day.

  • You lie on an exam table. Your head may be held still with straps or another device.

  • An IV (intravenous) line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This provides fluids and medicines.

  • You may be given a medicine that helps you relax (sedative).

  • The staff will watch your heart activity with an ECG (electrocardiogram) machine. They will put sticky patches on your chest, arms, and legs and attach those with wires to the ECG machine.

  • The healthcare provider will prepare the site where the catheter will be inserted. The insertion site is usually in the groin. The site is cleaned. It's also numbed with an injection of anesthetic.

  • The healthcare provider makes a small incision or puncture into the artery at the insertion site. They put the catheter into the artery.

  • Using X-ray images as a guide, the healthcare provider carefully moves the catheter through the artery to the brain.

  • The healthcare provider injects contrast fluid through the catheter into the artery. You may feel warmth or pressure in your neck, face, or head.

  • The healthcare provider takes X-rays.

  • When the procedure is complete, the catheter is removed.

  • The staff will put pressure on the insertion site for a time to stop any bleeding.

  • When you are released to go home, have an adult family member or friend drive you.

Risks of cerebral angiography

  • Bleeding

  • Blood clots

  • Blood vessel damage

  • Allergic reaction to the contrast fluid

  • Kidney damage from the contrast fluid

  • Stroke