What is angiogram:
An angiogram is the picture of blood flow in brain. A thin, soft tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel. Then an iodine dye is usually injected through a small catheter placed in a vein of the arm to take clear picture. Then images will be processed using a special computer and software
Why it is done:
- This test is used to find out blockage or narrowing of the arteries, abnormal blood vessels
- To confirm brain tumor, pattern of blood flow to a tumor
- This test is use to evaluate the symptoms like headaches, memory loss, slurred speech, dizziness, blurred or double vision, weakness or numbness
- This test is use to identify injury in brain, blood clot, atherosclerotic disease
- This test is used to find reason of stroke
Preparations for test:
- Tell doctor if you are pregnant
- Tell your doctor if you have allergy from iodine substance or have any bleeding problem, kidney problem, diabetes
- Don’t wear jewelry, eyeglasses, or any metal things
- Do not eat any solid food before 4-8 hours of the test
How it is done:
- A catheter is placed through an artery and moved up through the main blood vessels in the belly area and chest and into an artery in the neck
- Then a contrast dye will flow through the catheter and into the artery. You may feeling warm during this procedure
- Then multiple X–rays taken of head and neck. Then the catheter will be removed and a dressing is done over the insertion site