Diagnostic cerebral catheter angiography

A catheter angiogram is an X-ray test that shows the blood vessels of your brain or spine in fine detail. A thin tube (a catheter) is guided through an artery at the wrist or groin to the vessel being studied, contrast dye is injected, and pictures are taken. Many people only need a CT or MRI scan first; angiography is used when more detail is needed, usually to plan treatment. You are usually awake, with local anaesthetic, although children and people who cannot lie still may have sedation or a general anaesthetic. You may feel warmth when the dye is injected. The test takes from under an hour to longer if the case is complex, and afterwards you rest for a few hours; many people go home the same day. Risks include bruising or bleeding where the catheter went in, a reaction to the dye, kidney strain in people with kidney disease, and a small risk of stroke, so tell the team about allergies, kidney problems, diabetes medicines, blood thinners and pregnancy. Ask your doctor: Do I need this test, or would a scan answer the question? Which route will you use? Which medicines should I stop?