Hello, I have received my date for GK and the nurse who rang me told me the radiology MDT notes say no angiogram on the day just MRI to visualise the AVM on my brain. I’m really worried because I obviously want the most accurate targeting of the AVM and when I had my face to face consultation the GK consultant said I’d be having angiogram we even discussed trying the arm this time instead of groin. Has anyone else just had MRI on day of GK?
Thanks
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Not sure about that. You’re right about wanting to have the most accurate target to avoid necrosis or other complications. My son had lots of imagings such as MRI, MRA and CTAs. He also got the mask covering for Gamma Knife. The angiogram was done way before as he got Embolization previous to Gamma Knife. Not sure why they are not doing all kinds of imagings on you before Gamma Knife as they need to get specific location.
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This is useful because this is what I wondered may be typical. So effectively they didn’t use the angiogram on the day: just one or more of the other imaging techniques.
I went and read the following post today as I remember pinning it as a good description of what gamma knife is all about.
In it @micko described having both angiogram and MRI but I tend to feel that the angiogram is used to see the AVM as a whole and the MRI may be used for the measurements, in which case, @Summer010824’s experience of not having any angiogram planned as part of the gamma knife visit kinda fits the same way as for your son.
I’m sure it is only a matter of querying why this is the case. I’m thinking the MRI is a perfect method for pinpointing the places to zap and no need to expose to more radiation than necessary.
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Hello
I think for radiation treatment angiogram is not useful, I ve watched my doctor seeing my AVM from all angles just from the MRI so I guess there’s nothing to worry about.
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I had GK early December last year at Sheffield without an angiogram.
I too am worried that this may have created a lack of accuracy, but was convinced by the experts at the time that it was unnecessary. I guess that only time will tell.
I trust that the MRI I had on the day, the picture that had already been established and my age/size/location of AVM all contributed to their decision.
Plus - bonus - no angio, which I found to be painful during, and very uncomfortable afterwards previously.
Trust your gut instinct and good luck.
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Thanks i think all the above comments are reassuring for me, i am pleased if I don’t need the angiogram as I also found my previous one painful both the insertion site and when they pushed the dye through. Not long now so will update after treatment 
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Thankyou
hello, your avm was big? also how are you?
hello, your avm is big? also did they did to you an angio? how are you?
Hi,
Yes Angio done before actual surgery twice to confirm n locate exact spot while actual Removal done by major surgery Since AvFitsula was damaging my main spinal nerve, size i m not sure.
Anyway I am blessed by God to return legs movement back though not fully normal which was worst before surgery, other things like nerve pain etc etc still there coz nerve damaged but anyway its life cant be perfect all time.
Regards
Syed
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Hey - my AVM is (was?) 30mm left side front lobe.. and I am fine actually thanks. My GK treatment was a year ago but, where I live, it’s another whole year before they have a look to see what the effect has been. How are you?
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Hello Tim, thank you for answearing me
I’m in the process of being diagnosed and I’m really scared of the angiogram…I was hoping I could avoid it.
i m happu that you are all right and i hope your avm is gone
I’m getting there - we’ll see next year.
An angio in my experience isn’t pleasant but nothing to be afraid of. The injection site in my groin became like a big bruise for 3 or so days afterwards - and I had 5 dyes put into my bloodstream, the forth of which felt like fire.. again not pleasant.
But I will have it again to see what difference the gamma knife has made and deal with the above because it gives the clearest picture of what’s going on, so we know what I am facing - it’s very important.
I know that there are risks but the was about 12 doctors and nurses for mine and a stay in hospital to recover.
For me, I have had worse procedures Amareea.
At the end of the day, it’s your call and you will make the right decision. In fact, I bet you already have.
Good luck,
Tim
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Thank you….i will have to get one….if i want to get treated ….
Good luck too,
Amareea
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