What is RCVS syndrome?

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a group of disorders characterized by severe headaches and a narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. RCVS is reversible and patients often recover within three months; the condition is frequently missed and is more common than most physicians realize.

Is RCVS fatal?

Background: A fatal outcome occurs in 2% of patients with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS). Due to its rarity, guidelines for the management of the most severe forms of RCVS are lacking.

Can RCVS recur?

Progressive vasoconstriction can occur in <5% of patients (leading to large ischemic strokes). This may be more common among postpartum women. Following resolution, recurrent RCVS is very uncommon.

How rare is RCVS?

The incidence of RCVS is unknown, but it is believed to be “not uncommon”, and likely under-diagnosed. One small, possibly biased study found that the condition was eventually diagnosed in 45% of outpatients with sudden headache, and 46% of outpatients with thunderclap headache.

How is reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome ( RCVS ) treated?

How is reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) treated? There is no known cure for RCVS. If a drug has been associated with RCVS, the patient should talk to his or her doctor about decreasing the dose or stopping the use of the drug. The use of calcium channel blockers such as Cardizem® and nimodipine can reduce headaches.

Is there any treatment shown to improve outcome in RCVS?

There is currently no treatment shown to improve outcome in RCVS. It may well be that therapy needs to be tailored to the underlying causes or mechanisms, although current approaches focus on the shared common factor of vasospasm, which logically might reduce the main complications of infarction and hemorrhage.

What kind of medications are used to treat RCV?

Prescription medications associated with RCVS include the following: 1 Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac®, Paxil®,… 2 Medications to treat migraines: triptans (Imitrex®, Maxalt®), isometheptine (Amidrine®, Midrin®),… 3 Immunosuppressants: cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan®) and tacrolimus (FK-506®).

Which is the most common symptom of RCVS?

When vasoconstriction affects the blood vessels of the brain, it is called cerebral vasoconstriction. The most common symptom of RCVS is a sudden, intense headache, often referred to as a “thunder clap” headache.