What is a carotid angiogram?

Carotid angiogram is an X -ray test that uses iodine dye and camera to explore how blood flows in the main arteries of the neck that leads to the brain. The carotid angiogram can be either outpatient or a bed procedure, usually lasting one to three hours. Blocking can lead to a stroke or heart attack. It is also a useful test that determines why symptoms such as severe headaches, indistinct speech, memory loss, numbness, dizziness, poor balance or double vision, specifically indicate whether blocking causes symptoms. A carotid angiogram can detect whether there is aneurysm, tumor or hole that also limits or prevents adequate blood flow to the brain.

Before submitting the angiogram, it is important to inform the doctor if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, it is used by dyeing the test contains iodine; Thus, any allergy to iodine or molluscs should be reported. In addition, some people with asthma, hay fever or iceNami should consider whether the angiogram is right for them.

Usually the radiologist completes the carotid angiogram. After the anesthesia of the area, the catheter inserts into the artery above the elbow or into the weakness. The catheter is led to an area that is worrying. Using a camera or fluoroscope, the radiologist then checks how the catheter moves in an artery. In addition, the iodine dye is injected through the catheter, causing the area to prove in clear contrast to X -ray photographs.

Many people may wonder what it is like to undergo a carotid angiogram. Initially, the local anesthetic will be felt by a quick pinch. As a result, most people do not feel any pain when catheed is in arteries. Once the dye is added to the catheter, many people feel warming a feeling of warming for a few seconds. When the time is to remove the catheter, a slight pressure may be felt and at the place where the catheter was placed, it may be experiencedost slight pressure.

As with any medical procedure, there are several risks. The main problem of carotid angiogram is allergy to iodine dye. In addition, there is a slight risk that the catheter damages the artery or releases part of the knocked blood or other materials from the artery wall. Finally, there is a risk of damage to cells from radiation exposure from X-ray-I when this risk in minimal for most people.