So i met with a neuro interventional radiologist today at the request of my neurologist. I haven't had a follow up angiogram since the coiling in 2005 so I'm due. He told that he wanted to take a look at all all 4 major arteries going to the brain including the coiled left carotid. He said that by doing so he could see if I had any current or potential problems. That sounded great right up until he told me that there is a 1 in 300 chance of having a stroke during the procedure. Wow! now that scares the hell out of me. I know that i should have it done to make sure there are no problems, but that 1 in 300 is looming over my head. He then told me that its more like 1 in 2000 because of the way they do the procedure, but that still doesn't help but my nerves at ease seeing that he wants to poke around all four arteries...

So, I don't know. I put it on hold for right now and opted to have another MRA/MRI done for right now until I was ready for the angiogram. Ugggghhhhh.. I don't know what to do. Does the benifit out way the risk?

I need advice.. Please...

My Neurosurgeon has only ever requested a CT Angiogram for me - not the traditional type because I have a bleeding disorder that would be too difficult to manage if something went wrong - and why my annie was clipped not coiled.

This is risk free - they just use a contrast dye and do a CT to see the blood vessels. The only good thing I can think of with a conventional angiogram in this case, though, is that if your annie needs more coils added, then they can do it while they are there.

I was told that if my aneurysm had been coiled, I would have to have regular angios in case the coils compacted and needed 'refilling'.

Up to you, but it may be worth having a CTA or MRA instead, and getting the angiogram later if required.

Cheers

Lyn

Yes, i've been researching alternatives like the CTA and the DSA. I don't think I have any immediate problems with the coils in the left carotid but I've been having pain and stuff on the right side of my head recently around my right eye, thats what has been worrying me the most. So I'm gonna follow up with my neuro and see what he thinks and then go from there..

Hi,
There is risks with any invasive procedures, anytime you invade the body with foreign things, catheters, dyes, things like that, especially with things going to the brain, is a tricky, delicate procedure. If you have a good doc you trust and confidence in the facility, like I do I don't worry too much about the risks. These procedures are done alot and should be well perfected. They have to tell you the risks, its a legal thing for when you sign your consent. The decision is ultimately yours. If it is going to cause you to stress out then request to have the CT angeogram which is much less invasive, but not as accurate as the traditional angeogram, Good luck in what ever you decide to do,
Ruthie