CATHETER ANGIOGRAM

[wickedmonicker]

I am 25 years old, and i had a stroke about 2 months ago.

I recovered quickly (in about a day all numbness were gone.. and slurring was no longer there.. about 4 days, all the control in my muscles in the right side of my face returned), but they could not find the cause of my stroke.

This is my medical history:

1. No family history of stroke, diabetes, heart disease
2. I smoked about a pack a day before i had my stroke.
3. They found out i had dyslipidemia.
4. I was on Oral Contraceptives (which was stopped immediately after my diagnosis)
5. I was NOT hypertensive.
6. I am a bit overweight.
7. I was tested for all kinds of blood work including ANA up to the more uncommon work ups like Protein S and C -- all of which i tested negative - my doctors think it wasnt vasculitis that caused it.

I had a CT scan, MRI/MRA which revealed a narrowing of blood vessel in my brain.. that triggered the stroke.

They are decided that it was the smoking, the OCPs and me being overweight were the causes of my stroke.. although NOW, my neurosurgeon is recommending a CATHETER ANGIOGRAM.

I have read up on this diagnostic tool... and i am quite afraid to give my consent on this...

I already had MRA.. why is my doctor recommending catheter angiogram???

Should i give my consent???




This discussion is related to Red-Rimmed Black Oval After-Effect of Cerebral Angiogram.

[JonHardy]

I had a stroke at a young age as well (32) and have had several angiograms looking for the reason. While there are some risks, they are more common in older, sicker patients. You shouldn't worry - the benefits (super-clear picture of what going on in your brain) far outweigh the risk. Angiograms are the gold standard for brain imaging - the doc will be able to see exactly whats going on.

[wickedmonicker]

Thanks for your comment and advice and time!.. I really appreciate it :D

I just went to the doctor, and he said that although all lab work suggest there is no vasculitis (which is the main reason he wants to do the angiogram), he still wants to go ahead with the angio.. just to make extra sure.

I even asked him if there is an immediate need for this procedure, but he said no.
Although he would just have to make sure that I really do have narrowed veins and not vasculitis.

Hmmm.

Anyway... thank you so much doctor Paul! :D

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I agree with you that it is intriguing why an angiogram is still being requested, if an MRA is already done and there are no other vascular malformations noted (like AVM's or aneurysms).  An angiogram is indeed necessary (better than MRA) if the doctor strongly suspects the presence of these vascular problems especially the aneurysms.  If these are not strongly considered, then I suggest you clarify the indication with your doctor.

For now, cessation of smoking is imperative, as well as regular exercise and a good healthy diet.

Regards and God bless.