CT Brain & Neck Angiography

CT BRAIN & NECK ANGIOGRAPHY combines X-rays and computer processing to create 3-D pictures of arteries and veins. No catheter is inserted into the brain, making the test safer and more comfortable than traditional angiography.

A CT scanner circles around you while a contrast dye highlights blood vessels. The result is a detailed map that shows:

• Narrowed or blocked arteries
• Aneurysms
• Vascular malformations

• Standard CT Angiography: full head & neck vessel scan
• CT Cerebral Angiography: focuses on brain arteries only
• CT Carotid Angiography: centres on neck (carotid & vertebral arteries)

• Vessel diameter & wall thickness
• Degree of stenosis (blockage %)
• Presence of aneurysm size & location
• Blood-flow direction and speed
• Soft-tissue abnormalities near vessels

• Confirm stroke risk before symptoms worsen
• Plan minimally invasive procedures
• Monitor known aneurysms or vascular disease
• Investigate sudden fainting or pulsatile tinnitus

Common Reasons

• Sudden, severe headache (possible aneurysm)
• Mini-stroke or stroke symptoms
• Dizziness or vision problems
• Follow-up after surgery or stent placement

Who Should Consider It

• Adults 40+ with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
• Smokers or people with a family history of stroke
• Anyone with traumatic head or neck injury

• Fast: 5–10 minutes total scan time
• Accurate: finds blockages as small as 1 mm
• Painless: only an IV line is needed
• Outpatient: go home the same day

• Stroke & transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Brain aneurysms
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Carotid artery disease
• Dissections (tears in vessel walls)

• Fast 4 hours before the scan (clear fluids allowed)
• Remove metal objects (jewellery, hairpins)
• Inform staff of allergies or kidney issues

• Recent creatinine test if you have kidney disease
• List of current medications (especially metformin)
• Pregnancy status for women of child-bearing age

• Within 24 hours of stroke symptoms for best outcomes
• Early morning slots reduce wait time and fasting discomfort
• Any day convenient, but avoid after heavy meals

• Adults and seniors in stable condition
• Children only when medically justified and weight-adjusted dose used
• Not suitable for those with severe iodine allergy or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism

1. Check-in and brief medical history
2. Change into gown; IV line inserted for contrast
3. Lie on scanner table; head rests in cushioned holder
4. Table moves through scanner while you hold still for 5–10 seconds
5. Contrast injection—may feel warm for 30 seconds
6. Scan completes; IV removed, observation for 15 minutes

• Inform if you have asthma or prior contrast reaction
• Discuss renal function—extra hydration may be needed
• Bring a companion if you usually feel anxious

Low but Real Risks

• Mild allergic reaction to contrast dye (1 in 1,000)
• Small radiation dose (similar to 6 months of natural background)
• Not ideal for pregnant women unless absolutely necessary

Limitations

• Calcium in vessel walls can hide small plaques
• Claustrophobia may require mild sedation