Neuroleptanalgesia in cerebral angiography

The experience gained in performing neuroleptanalgesia by injection with dihydrobenzperidol and fentanyl as a premedication for cerebral angiography, as well as experiments made in its application, are presented on the basis of 200 cases. In 93 per cent of cases, the tranquillizing and analgesic effects proved satisfactory. The side effects, viz. hypotension (24% of cases), changes in the pulse rate (11% of cases) and bradypnoea (14.5% of cases) were easily controlled, but there must be a constant readiness to resuscitate autonomic functions. Neuroleptoanalgesia for cerebral angiography may be administered by staff of the neuroradiological department after some training in anaesthetic techniques under the supervision of a qualified specialist.