What is Cerebral Angiography

Imaging the inside of blood arteries with X-rays is called angiography. The risk of stroke increases when blood arteries become obstructed, damaged, or otherwise aberrant. It is essential to know the problem and how much damage has been done to the blood artery segments being inspected by an angiography procedure.

What is Cerebral Angiography

Digital subtraction angiography, or intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography, is another name for cerebral angiography (IADSA). To perform cerebral angiography, it is common practice to introduce a catheter (a long, narrow tube) into an artery in the arm or leg. Cathode-based injections of a particular dye are used to access the brain’s blood arteries via the catheter. Cerebral angiography uses X-rays to look for anomalies in the brain’s blood artery network.

Cerebral angiography treatment is more accurate than a carotid Doppler. In most cases, angiography is done after another test has discovered an abnormality. The use of angiography in detecting and diagnosing acute stroke is essential. Other procedures cannot produce the same kinds of images as cerebral angiography.

Uses

There is no need to perform a cerebral angiography in Delhi on everyone at risk for vascular occlusion. However, it’s only used if previous tests have shown insufficient data to make an informed treatment decision. Invasive and potentially dangerous, it’s why.

This procedure can also be employed to treat neck and brain blood vascular disorders. Aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, arteriosclerosis, vasculitis, brain malignancies, clots in the bloodstream, and arterial wall tears can all be diagnosed with cerebral angiography.

The results of a cerebral angiography may assist your doctor in determining the underlying cause of the following symptoms:

• Stroke
• Slurred speech; 
• Blurry or double vision
• Dizziness;
• Weakness or numbness
• A lack of coordination or balance 
• Severe headaches.

Preparation is key:

Consult Doctor Vikas Kathuria for advice on the best way to get ready. After midnight on the night before the procedure, you may not be able to consume any food or drink at all.

Your doctor may also urge you to stop taking any medications that raise your risk of bleeding before the procedure. Blood-thinning medication, analgesics, such as aspirin and ibuprofen

Don’t breastfeed again for at least 24 hours after the surgery if you’re breastfeeding. During this period, your body will have time to expel the contrast material.

Notify your physician right away:

Make sure your doctor knows about any health conditions you have. Certain patients may be unsuitable for the operation because of an allergic reaction to the contrast substance. It’s always best to be upfront with your doctor about allergies, such as those to anesthesia or the contrast agent used in CT scans. Before the test, your doctor may prescribe anti-allergy medicine.

The risk of complications during the test can be increased if you have a preexisting medical condition. Contrast material can cause kidney damage if you have diabetes or renal problems. If you’re pregnant or suspect you might be, inquire about the test’s radiation exposure.

The Procedure: What Should You Expect?

You may have a neurosurgeon or neurologist trained in interventional radiology on your healthcare team for this examination.

Before the surgery, most people are put to sleep with an anesthetic. Those who need general anesthesia, such as children, are given it. This is because the test only works if you are completely still. You’ll feel more at ease and even nod off under the influence of the sedative.

Your head will be held in place with a strap, tape, or sandbags during the process. It would help if you remained entirely still throughout the examination.

To begin, a groin area will be sterilized by your physician. A catheter, which is a long, flexible tube, will be inserted and threaded into your blood arteries and your carotid artery. You will find a blood vessel that delivers blood to your brain in your neck.

Contrast dye will be injected into the artery through the catheter. It will then move to your brain’s blood vessels. On occasion, you may feel warm while undergoing the contrast dyeing process in your body. The doctor will take several X-rays of the patient’s head and neck in the next step. A few seconds of holding your breath may be required while the scans are done.

Your doctor will then remove the catheter and apply a bandage to the spot where it was inserted for your comfort. There is a one-to-three-hour time frame for this complete treatment.

Risks

Cerebral angiography has a few unusual but potentially dangerous hazards. Stroke and blood vessel damage are examples of complications that might arise from using a catheter.

the catheter tip might become clogged with blood clots With your doctor, be sure to address any potential side effects thoroughly.

If your doctor feels that your symptoms are due to a cerebrovascular condition, you may be a suitable candidate for cerebral angiography. The procedure may not be ideal for those with impaired renal function, allergies to contrast agents or a history of bleeding difficulties, so it is essential to check with your doctor before making an appointment.