Stroke & Neurointervention

Cerebral Angiography (DSA)

A detailed X-ray test of the brain’s blood vessels, used to assess aneurysms and other vascular conditions and to plan treatment.

What is cerebral angiography and how does DSA work?

Cerebral angiography shows the arteries and veins of the brain in fine detail. A contrast dye is injected through a catheter while X-ray images are taken.

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) uses a computer to remove ("subtract") the bones and soft tissue from the images, so only the blood vessels remain visible.

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Diagnostic cerebral angiography

How the catheter reaches the brain’s arteries and how the X-ray pictures are taken.

Why it is performed

  • Assessing brain aneurysms in detail
  • Investigating selected vascular conditions, such as narrowing, abnormal connections or bleeding of unclear cause
  • Planning, and guiding, endovascular treatment

Preparation

  • Review of medicines, especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines
  • Allergies, particularly to contrast dye
  • Kidney function blood tests, since the contrast is cleared by the kidneys
  • Fasting instructions and other assessments relevant to the patient

Procedure overview

After local anaesthetic, a thin tube is placed in an artery at the groin or wrist. A catheter is guided to the arteries of the neck and brain, contrast is injected, and X-ray images are taken. A warm feeling during the injections is common.

Risks and precautions

These risks are discussed before the test and weighed against the information the test will provide.

  • Access-site problems such as bruising, bleeding or, rarely, injury to the artery
  • Contrast-related reactions, or effects on kidney function
  • Uncommon neurological complications, including stroke

After the procedure

Patients rest and are monitored for several hours while the access site is checked. Instructions about activity, the puncture site and medicines are tailored to the patient and to the procedure.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is DSA painful?
Local anaesthetic numbs the access site. Most people feel pressure rather than pain, and a brief warm sensation during contrast injections.
How long does it take?
The test itself is often completed in under an hour, followed by several hours of rest and monitoring. Timing varies with what needs to be assessed.
How should I prepare?
Follow the fasting and medicine instructions you are given, and tell the team about allergies, kidney problems and blood thinners.
When can I return to normal activities?
Many people resume light activity within a day or two. Avoid heavy lifting for the period advised by the team.

Open Mon–Sat, 9AM–5PM

Questions about angiography?

Request a consultation to discuss whether DSA is needed at KIMS Hospitals (New Facility), Kondapur, Hyderabad, and bring your previous scans and reports.

Request appointment

Choose a day from Monday to Saturday. The clinic calls back to confirm your time.

Request appointment
Clinic hoursMon–Sat, 9AM–5PM9AM5PM
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