A brain blood vessel test? Let's learn about Cerebral Angiogram!

Sometimes your doctor may order a brain scan because you have a severe headache, sudden loss of consciousness, or other unusual symptoms. But sometimes there may be problems that a regular scan can't find, especially in the delicate blood vessels in your brain. That's when your doctor may recommend a special test called a `Cerebral Angiogram`.

Simply put, what is a cerebral angiogram?

A `Cerebral Angiogram` is a special X-ray test that looks at the blood vessels (blood vessels) in your brain, head, or neck and how blood flows through them. It is also called `Cerebral Angiography`.

Imagine this, it's like using a drone camera to see from above how the traffic is on the roads of a city, where the roads are congested, and where the roads are narrow. But here, we're looking at the blood vessel system in your brain.

The procedure is very simple. The doctor usually inserts a thin tube (catheter) into a large vein in your groin or arm. Then, through the tube, a special liquid called a contrast dye is injected into your body. As the dye travels with your blood throughout your body, especially through the blood vessels in your brain, it makes those blood vessels appear white on X-ray images. The doctor can then see if there are any problems with your blood vessels.

Why do you need to do this test?

Your doctor usually orders this test when other tests (such as a CT or MRI scan) are inconclusive. It can detect various abnormalities in the blood vessels in your brain.

Look at the table below to see what conditions can be identified from this.

Are there any risks to this test?

As with any medical test, there are some small risks involved. But your doctor is recommending this test because the benefits far outweigh the risks . Don't be afraid of it. However, it's important to be aware of the risks .

The main risks are:

• Exposure to radiation: This is an X-ray test, so you will be exposed to some radiation. However, this amount is within safe limits.
• Allergy to Contrast Dye: Some people can be allergic to this dye. If you have had this before or are allergic to other things (especially iodine, seafood), you should definitely tell your doctor.
• Effect on the kidneys: If you already have kidney disease, your kidneys may have difficulty removing this dye from your body.
• Bleeding or blood clots: There may be some bleeding or bruising at the piercing site. There is also a risk of blood clots.

Very rarely, that is, very rarely , serious complications such as these can occur:

• TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack): This is called a 'mini stroke'. The symptoms go away after a while.
• Stroke: Can be caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain.
• Difficulty speaking (Aphasia)
• Hematoma (blood accumulation at the puncture site)

It is because of these risks that the doctor asks about your complete health history before the test.

How do you prepare before the test?

Preparing for this is not that difficult. The most important thing is to follow the doctor's instructions carefully.

Things you need to tell the doctor

Be sure to discuss these things with your doctor before the test.

• Any allergies you have: Especially if you are allergic to contrast dye, iodine, shellfish, any medications, latex, or tape.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should definitely mention it.
• If you have bleeding disorders.
• You should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants or blood thinners, such as aspirin and warfarin.

Other preparations

• Food and drink: You will often be advised to abstain from eating or drinking (fasting) for a few hours before the test.
• Medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be stopped a few days before the test. Your doctor will explain all of this to you.
• Assistant: You may be given a small sedative to calm you down before the test. It will make you feel a little drowsy, so it is essential that you bring someone to take you home.
• Other tests: You may also be given a small blood test beforehand to check your blood clotting time, to reduce your risk.

What should I do after the test?

After the test is finished, you will be kept in the hospital for a few hours for observation.

• Rest: Depending on where the needle was inserted, you may be told to lie down in bed for a few hours, without moving your arm or leg.
• Pain: If there is any slight pain or swelling at the injection site, the doctor will recommend that you apply an ice pack or take a painkiller.
• Food and fluids: Unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise, you can eat normally. However, it is very important to drink plenty of water. This will help the dye to leave your body quickly in your urine.
• Work: You can usually resume normal activities within 8-12 hours. However, it is advised to avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, for one or two days.

If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

It is normal to have a small bruise at the site of the piercing. However, if you experience any of the symptoms below, do not ignore it. Call your doctor immediately. In case of an emergency, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

• These are the changes in the arm or leg where the needle was inserted: temperature changes (feeling too cold or too hot), color changes, increased pain, numbness, or a feeling of numbness in that arm/leg.
• If you have a fever or chills and feel shaky .
• If the puncture site becomes painful, red, swollen, bleeding increases , or if a pus-like fluid comes out.
• If you have difficulty speaking or vision changes .
• If you feel dizzy or have muscle weakness .
• If you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing .