PUTRA CNS
PUTRA CNS

IR Clinic

Cerebral Angiogram Procedure

Patient information guide — everything you need to know before, during, and after your cerebral angiogram.

This guide explains what a cerebral angiogram is, why you may need one, what happens during the procedure, and how to care for yourself afterwards. If you have questions, please speak to your doctor or nurse.

A special X-ray test that allows your doctor to see the blood vessels in your brain and neck. It uses a thin, flexible tube (catheter) and a contrast dye that makes your blood vessels visible on X-ray images.

Think of it like a detailed map of the blood vessels inside your head — helping your doctor understand your condition and plan the best treatment.

👨‍⚕️Performed by an interventional neuroradiologist — a doctor who specialises in minimally invasive brain vessel treatment.

Check for aneurysm

Bulge in a blood vessel wall

Detect stenosis / occlusion

Narrow or blocked blood vessels

Examine AVM

Abnormal tangles of blood vessels

Investigate stroke cause

Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

Evaluate tumour flow

Blood flow to a tumour

Plan treatment

Coiling an aneurysm or removing a blockage

Check treatment results

Follow-up after previous treatment

More detail than CT or MRI:A cerebral angiogram gives the most accurate view of what is happening inside your brain's blood vessels.

Pre-procedure checklist

Fast for 4–6 hours before the procedure (no food or drink)
Tell your doctor about all medicines — especially blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin), diabetes medicines, and any allergies
Inform the team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant
Tell the doctor about any kidney problems — contrast dye may affect kidney function
Arrange transport home — you cannot drive after the procedure
Remove jewellery, dentures, and contact lenses
💡

Tip

Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. You will change into a hospital gown for the procedure.

1

Preparation

Before arriving

2

Procedure

30–60 minutes

3

Recovery

Monitored rest

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes

Access Sites

Groin

Femoral artery

Wrist

Radial artery

1

Registration & preparation

Change into a hospital gown. The nurse checks your details.

2

Consent & explanation

The doctor explains the procedure, answers your questions, and asks you to sign a consent form.

3

Monitoring setup

Your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen level are checked and monitored throughout.

4

Cleaning the access site

The skin at your groin (upper thigh) or wrist is cleaned with antiseptic solution.

5

Local anaesthesia

A small injection numbs the area. You may feel a brief sting, then it goes numb. You remain awake.

6

Catheter insertion

A tiny tube (catheter) is gently guided into the blood vessel. You should not feel pain, but may feel some pressure.

7

Contrast injection & X-ray imaging

Dye is injected through the catheter while X-ray pictures are taken. You may feel a warm sensation — this is normal and passes quickly.

8

Image review

The doctor examines the blood vessel images on the screen.

9

Catheter removal

The tube is carefully removed.

10

Closure

Firm pressure or a closure device is applied to prevent bleeding at the entry site.

11

Recovery monitoring

You rest while the team checks your vital signs and the puncture site.

12

Discharge advice

You receive instructions before going home.

A cerebral angiogram is generally a safe procedure. Serious complications are uncommon.

Bruising or small haematoma at puncture site1–5%
Contrast allergy (rash, itching, breathing difficulty)<1%
Kidney function change from contrast dye<1–2%*
Blood vessel injury or significant bleeding<1%
Stroke or transient neurological symptoms<1%
Infection at puncture siteRare
DeathExtremely rare

⚠ Disclaimer: These percentages are approximate and may vary depending on your individual condition, procedure complexity, and clinical risk factors. Your treating doctor will explain your personal risks before the procedure.

Recovery checklist

You will be monitored in the recovery area — nurses check your blood pressure, pulse, and puncture site regularly
Keep the puncture site (groin or wrist) straight — avoid bending the limb as instructed
Drink plenty of fluids if allowed — helps your body clear the contrast dye
Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 24–48 hours, or as advised
Keep the dressing / bandage clean and dry — do not remove unless instructed
Follow all discharge instructions and take prescribed medications as directed
Arrange for someone to stay with you overnight after the procedure

Seek Urgent Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following

Persistent or worsening pain at the puncture site
Swelling, growing lump, or bleeding at puncture site that doesn't stop with firm pressure
Numbness, tingling, or coldness in the limb where the catheter was inserted
Sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking (signs of stroke)
Severe or worsening headache
Dizziness, confusion, or fainting
Fever, chills, redness or warmth around the puncture site (signs of infection)
Chest pain or difficulty breathing

If you are unsure or concerned about any symptom, please contact the hospital or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately.

PUTRA CNS Stroke Center — Interventional Radiology

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice.