A cerebral angiogram — also known as arteriography or an arteriogram — is a diagnostic test that uses x-rays or magnets and a special contrast dye to detect problems with blood flow in your brain.
If you are experiencing a stroke or another problem with blood flow in your brain, UPMC experts will provide expert diagnosis and treatment using the most effective and least invasive techniques, delivering the care you need when seconds count.
What Is a Cerebral Angiogram?
A cerebral angiogram — also known as arteriography or an arteriogram — is a diagnostic test that uses x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a special contrast dye to detect problems with blood flow in your brain.
Types of cerebral angiograms
There are two types of cerebral angiograms, including:
- Catheter-based cerebral angiography — A minimally invasive procedure that allows your doctor to see your blood vessels using contrast dye injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in your groin or wrist and guided to your brain.
- Noninvasive cerebral angiography — Uses computed tomography (CT) or MRI imaging to show blood flow through your brain's blood vessels without needing a catheter.
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Conditions we diagnose with cerebral angiograms
Cerebral angiography can be used to diagnose conditions that affect blood vessels in your brain, including:
Why Would I Need a Cerebral Angiogram?
You may need a cerebral angiogram to diagnose a blood vessel disorder affecting your brain.
Who’s a candidate for a cerebral angiogram?
You may be a candidate for a cerebral angiogram if you have symptoms of a blood vessel disorder in your brain. Your doctor will tell you if a cerebral angiogram is safe for you.
What Are the Risks and Complications of a Cerebral Angiogram?
Although a cerebral angiogram is a safe procedure, it comes with risks that include:
- Allergic reaction or kidney damage caused by the contrast dye.
- Bleeding or a blood clot where the catheter is inserted.
- Blood vessel damage.
- Stroke symptoms, such as weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or vision problems.
What Should I Expect From a Cerebral Angiogram?
Before: How to prepare for a cerebral angiogram
Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions. If you need an emergency cerebral angiogram to diagnose stroke or another blood vessel disorder, you may not have time to prepare for the procedure. However, cerebral angiograms can also be performed in nonemergency situations.
If you have time to prepare for the procedure, you should:
- Fast for a certain period of time prior to the procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you need to fast or how long to fast (usually overnight).
- Have any tests that your doctor recommends. For example, your doctor may request a blood test before the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.
- Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
- Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
- Tell your doctor if you have any other health conditions. Your care team may need to take certain precautions during your procedure for your safety.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop some of the medications prior to the procedure.
How long does a cerebral angiogram take?
A cerebral angiogram may take up to three hours.
During your cerebral angiogram
During the exam, you will lie on your back on a procedure table. You will receive a sedative to help you relax and local anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain. In most cases, you will remain awake during your cerebral angiogram.
Sticky patches will be placed on your chest, connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, which will monitor your heart during the procedure.
Your doctor will:
- Make a small incision in your groin or wrist.
- Insert a thin tube called a catheter through the incision and into a blood vessel.
- Use x-ray imaging guidance to move the catheter to your brain.
- Send contrast dye through the catheter to highlight blockages and blood flow.
- Take x-ray or MRI images of the blood vessels in your brain.
- Remove the catheter and close your incision.
If you have a noninvasive cerebral angiogram, your doctor will use contrast dye and CT or MRI imaging to highlight blood flow in your brain, without the need for a catheter.
Recovery after cerebral angiogram
Depending on your diagnosis, you may need to stay in the hospital for several days or be discharged the same day. Your doctor will let you know what to expect during your recovery.
It will take about a week for your incision to heal. However, you can resume your regular diet and take your medications as directed immediately after your procedure.
When to call your doctor about complications
You should contact your doctor if you have complications, including:
- Balance problems.
- Bleeding.
- Chest pain.
- Confusion.
- Disorientation.
- Dizziness.
- Drainage from your incision site.
- Fever.
- Pain, swelling, or numbness in your arms or legs.
- Shortness of breath.
Why Choose UPMC for Cerebral Angiogram Care?
When you choose UPMC for cerebral angiogram care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class neuroscience expertise — UPMC is among the world’s best multidisciplinary stroke centers. When surgery is necessary, our neurosurgery team is experienced in advanced treatments, including traditional and investigational approaches that are not widely available.
- A full range of treatment options — We offer minimally invasive care and traditional open surgical procedures. This allows us to effectively treat all types of cerebral blood vessel disorders while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-10-23.
