Angiogram of the Head and Neck

Carotid Angiogram, Cerebral Angiogram

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 image of an angiogram showing 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 image of an angiogram showing blood flow in the brain .
• Check the pattern of blood flow to a tumor. This can show if the tumor has spread and can help guide treatment.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: December 30, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
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