Angiogram of the Head and Neck

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Angiogram of the Head and Neck

Test Overview

An angiogram of the head and neck is an X-ray test that uses a special dye and camera (fluoroscopy) to take pictures of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the head and neck. An angiogram of the neck (carotid angiogram) can be used to look at the large arteries in the neck that lead to the brain. An angiogram of the head (cerebral angiogram) can be used to look at the veins or the four arteries (four-vessel study) carrying blood to the brain.

During an angiogram, a thin, soft tube called a catheter is placed into a blood vessel in the groin (femoral artery or vein) or just above the elbow (brachial artery or vein). See a picture of catheter placement in the femoral vein. The catheter is guided to the head and neck area. Then an iodine dye (contrast material) is injected into the vessel to make the area show clearly on the X-ray pictures. The angiogram pictures can be made into regular X-ray films or stored as digital pictures in a computer.

An angiogram can find a bulge in a blood vessel (aneurysm). It can also show narrowing or a blockage in a blood vessel that slows or stops blood flow. An abnormal pattern of blood vessels (arteriovenous [AV] malformation) or abnormal vessels near a tumour can be seen.

See a picture of the blood supply to the brain.

A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) or computed tomography angiogram (CTA) may be an option instead of a standard angiogram. Each of these tests is less invasive than an angiogram. Some MRA tests and all CTA tests require an injection of dye. A CTA also involves radiation exposure.

Why It Is Done

An angiogram of the head or neck is done to:

  • Look for blockage or narrowing of the arteries in the neck that carry blood to the brain. Blood flow to the brain that is slowed or stopped increases the chance of having a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). See an angiogram image of a person with a TIA.
  • Study symptoms that might mean problems with the blood flow to the brain. Symptoms may include severe headaches, memory loss, slurred speech, dizziness, blurred or double vision, weakness or numbness, or loss of coordination or balance.
  • Detect an aneurysm in the brain or in a blood vessel leading to the brain. See an angiogram image of blood flow in the brain.
  • Check the pattern of blood flow to a tumour. This can show if the tumour has spread and can help guide treatment.

How To Prepare

Before an angiogram, tell your doctor if you:

  • Are or might be pregnant.
  • Are allergic to iodine dye used in the test.
  • Have asthma.
  • Are allergic to any medicines.

Do not eat or drink for 4 to 8 hours before the angiogram. You may be asked to not take ASA, ASA products, or blood thinners for several days before the test and for 1 day after the test. If you take these medicines, talk with your doctor.





How It Is Done


You will need to take off any jewellery. You may need to take off all or most of your clothes. You will be given a gown to wear during the test.




The place where the catheter will be inserted (in the groin or above the elbow) will be shaved and cleaned. Your doctor will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then he or she will put a needle into the blood vessel. A guide wire will be put through the needle into the blood vessel and the needle will be removed. The catheter then will be placed over the guide wire and moved into the blood vessel. The catheter will be guided through the blood vessels until the tip is in the area to be studied. Your doctor will use the fluoroscope to watch the movement of the catheter in the blood vessels.





How It Feels











Angiogram of the head and neck is an X-ray test that uses a special dye and camera (fluoroscopy) to take pictures of the blood flow in the blood vessels of the head and neck. Your doctor may tell you some results right after the test. Full results are usually ready the same day.

Angiogram of the head and neck


The blood vessels are normal in size, shape, location, and number.

The dye flows evenly through the blood vessels.




Blood vessels that are not in their normal position may mean that a tumour or other growth is pushing against them.

A bulge in a blood vessel may point to a weakness in the blood vessel wall (aneurysm).

An abnormal pattern of blood vessels may mean that a tumour is present.

Dye that leaks out of a blood vessel may mean that there is a hole in the blood vessel.


What Affects the Test


  • Not being able to lie still during the test.

What To Think About

  • Other angiogram tests can be done, including:
    • A four-vessel study. The catheter is placed in each of the four arteries carrying blood to the head and neck (two carotid arteries and two vertebral arteries).
    • An arch study. The catheter is pulled back from the head and neck area until the tip is at the large artery (aorta) where it leaves the heart. This study lets your doctor check the arteries where they branch off the aorta.

Other Places To Get Help


Society for Interventional Radiology
3975 Fair Ridge Drive
Suite 400 North
Fairfax, VA 22033
Phone: 1-800-488-7284
Web Address: www.sirweb.org



Other Works Consulted



By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology
Last Revised February 7, 2011
