Cerebral angiogram.
Clear answers, every step.

Yes—after the recovery team clears you to get up. Start with short, easy walks around home. Rest between them. Avoid long walks, brisk exercise and straining for the first 48 hours, or longer if your discharge plan says so.

If you are steady and have been cleared to walk, use necessary stairs slowly. Limit repeated trips for the first 24–48 hours, especially after groin access. After sedation, avoid stairs or have someone help if you feel unsteady. Have someone carry bags or laundry.

After prescribed bed rest ends, change position gently and take breaks. Avoid repeated deep bending, squatting or movements that strain the puncture site early in recovery. Stop if a movement causes access-site pain, swelling or bleeding.

Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are commonly restricted for at least 48 hours and sometimes several days. Ask for your exact lifting limit and return date, especially for weight training, running, cycling or a physical job. Wrist access also requires protecting that arm.

Some people return to light or desk work after 24–48 hours if they feel well. Jobs involving lifting, driving, prolonged physical effort or safety-sensitive tasks may need more time. Request a work note with restrictions before discharge.

Do not drive yourself home. Published instructions commonly restrict driving for 24–48 hours after diagnostic angiography; sedation, symptoms or treatment can extend this. Resume only when your discharge plan permits and you can operate the vehicle safely.

You may shower gently once your procedure team permits it. Use lukewarm water, avoid scrubbing or directing a strong spray at the puncture, and pat dry. Follow the exact timing and dressing instructions on your discharge sheet.

Avoid soaking the puncture site until it has healed and your team permits it. A shower and immersion are different: being allowed to shower does not automatically mean a bath, pool or hot tub is safe.

Keep the area clean and dry. Follow your team's dressing-removal instructions and check the area daily. Do not pick at skin glue or a scab. Ask before applying creams, ointments or powders.

A small, stable bruise and mild tenderness can occur. Some closure methods leave a small lump. Increasing swelling, worsening pain, expanding bruising or a lump that grows needs prompt assessment; heavy bleeding is an emergency.

Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge. Discuss long drives and flights before the procedure. Clearance depends on your diagnosis, sedation, access-site recovery, and whether treatment was performed. If you live far away, ask whether you should recover at a nearby home or hotel with your escort. Our ambulatory facility does not provide overnight stays.

Treat sexual activity like other physical exertion. Avoid it during the early activity restriction—commonly at least 48 hours after groin access—and wait longer if it strains the puncture site or your physician gives a longer restriction.

Do not stop, skip or restart an antiplatelet or anticoagulant on your own. These drugs have different purposes. Your procedure team must give you a specific plan; after a stent, prescribed antiplatelet treatment can be especially important.

Ask for an individualized plan before fasting. Insulin and other diabetes medicines may need adjustment. Metformin instructions depend on kidney function and the catheter procedure; if it is held, confirm when to restart and whether a kidney blood test is needed.

Once the team allows it, resume food as tolerated and drink fluids regularly. Do not force large amounts of water if you have heart failure, kidney disease or a fluid restriction. Follow the amount recommended for you.

Use only the pain medicine approved on your discharge plan; check before adding ibuprofen, naproxen or extra aspirin. For 24 hours after sedation, avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, and do not take sleeping tablets unless your clinician specifically approves them. Do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions during that time.

Many diagnostic angiograms use local anesthetic with light or moderate sedation. Your team will explain your anesthesia plan. At our ambulatory surgical facility, post-procedure recovery usually takes 1–2 hours. You go home the same day once cleared; there is no overnight facility stay. Allow additional time for preparation and the angiogram itself.

Your physician may discuss initial findings before you leave. A final review or discussion with other specialists may follow. Confirm how you will receive the report and when to review the findings, treatment options and any follow-up imaging.

No. A diagnostic angiogram gathers information. Embolization or stenting treats a condition and may require different monitoring, medicines, activity restrictions and follow-up. Follow the discharge instructions for the treatment you actually received.

Risks include bleeding or vessel injury, contrast reaction, kidney injury and an uncommon but serious risk of stroke. Your individual risk depends on your health and the procedure. Use the urgent-help guidance above for new neurological symptoms or significant bleeding.