Looking inside the brain via angiography

When we talk about angiograms, most people immediately think of the heart. But the brain, our body’s command centre, has its own network of arteries and veins that deserve the same attention. That is where brain angiography comes in.

Contrary to what many believe, a brain angiography isn’t a new or experimental test. It is a time-tested diagnostic procedure that gives doctors a clear, detailed picture of blood flow inside the brain. What is surprising is not the technology itself, but how very few people seem to be aware of it.

A brain angio is one of the safest and most effective ways to detect problems in the brain’s blood vessels before they cause any damage, and there is a great need to bridge the awareness gap that exists around it.

Spotting the unseen

One of the most important uses of brain angiography is in detecting aneurysms – tiny balloon-like bulges in the wall of a blood vessel. Most aneurysms are harmless, but sometimes, they can rupture, leading to a sudden and serious medical emergency.

An aneurysm doesn’t usually give dramatic early warning signs. However, patients may experience subtle symptoms such as frequent headaches, dizziness, or vision disturbances. In such cases, a brain angio helps – it gives doctors a detailed map, allowing for early and precise diagnosis.

A brain angiography can also reveal other vascular conditions including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or narrowings in arteries that may increase stroke risk.

How it works

Despite how technical it sounds, the procedure is surprisingly simple for patients. A thin catheter is gently inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the arm or leg. A contrast dye is then introduced, which helps the blood vessels appear clearly on imaging. The procedure is minimally invasive and painless. Patients are awake, and most go home the same day.

The imaging provides a real-time roadmap of the brain’s blood circulation. The results can help doctors plan targeted treatments with great precision.

Not just for emergencies

A brain angio isn’t reserved for emergencies alone. It is equally useful in planning surgeries, guiding treatments for strokes or tumours, and evaluating unexplained neurological symptoms. In many cases, it is part of a proactive approach to brain health.

The goal when it comes to brain health is not just treatment, but prevention too: if an aneurysm or vascular abnormality can be detected before it causes trouble, simple safe interventions can be offered.

If you experience symptoms such as: frequent, unexplained headaches, sudden changes in vision, weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side, loss of balance or coordination and have a family history of aneurysms or stroke, it may be worth discussing a brain angiography with your neurologist or neurosurgeon.

Ensuring brain health

The beauty of modern medicine lies in early detection, and a brain angiography is a perfect example of this. It is safe, accurate, and gives doctors the ability to protect what matters most – your brain.

The words ‘brain test’ may sound scary, but this is not a procedure to feel anxious about. Your brain deserves the best care you can give it.

(Dr. Ranganathan Jothi is chief brain and spine surgeon and director of Neurosciences at Kauvery Hospital, Vadapalani, Chennai.)