Overview
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, often called RCVS, is a condition where the blood vessels in the brain suddenly narrow (constrict) and then return to normal over days to weeks. The hallmark symptom is a sudden, severe headache — often described as a 'thunderclap headache' — that reaches maximum intensity within seconds. These headaches may occur repeatedly over one to three weeks. RCVS can also cause strokes, brain swelling, and bleeding in or around the brain in some cases, though many people recover fully. RCVS is not considered a genetic disease. It is often triggered by certain medications (especially vasoactive drugs like triptans, SSRIs, nasal decongestants, and cannabis), the postpartum period, or physical exertion. In some cases, no clear trigger is found. The condition affects women more often than men and typically occurs in adults between 20 and 50 years of age. Treatment focuses on removing any triggering substance, managing pain, and monitoring for complications like stroke or brain hemorrhage. Calcium channel blockers such as nimodipine or verapamil are commonly used to help relax the blood vessels. Most patients recover well within one to three months, though a small number may have lasting neurological problems. Early recognition and proper management are important to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headacheRecurrent intense headaches over days to weeksNausea and vomitingSensitivity to lightBlurred or changed visionWeakness on one side of the bodyDifficulty speakingSeizuresConfusion or altered awarenessNumbness or tinglingDifficulty with balance or coordination
Clinical phenotype terms (24)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
1 eventUniversity Hospital, Montpellier — NA
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.
1 clinical trialare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.
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Start the conversation →Latest news about Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Triggers And Risk Factors to Develop a Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
Caregiver Resources
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Could any of my current medications or supplements have triggered RCVS?,What imaging tests do I need, and how often will they be repeated?,Should I take a calcium channel blocker, and for how long?,What activities should I avoid during recovery, and when can I return to normal activity?,What warning signs should prompt me to go to the emergency room?,What is my risk of having a stroke or other serious complication?,Can RCVS come back, and is there anything I can do to prevent recurrence?
Common questions about Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
What is Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome?
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, often called RCVS, is a condition where the blood vessels in the brain suddenly narrow (constrict) and then return to normal over days to weeks. The hallmark symptom is a sudden, severe headache — often described as a 'thunderclap headache' — that reaches maximum intensity within seconds. These headaches may occur repeatedly over one to three weeks. RCVS can also cause strokes, brain swelling, and bleeding in or around the brain in some cases, though many people recover fully. RCVS is not considered a genetic disease. It is often triggered by cer
How is Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome inherited?
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome typically begin?
Typical onset of Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome?
Yes — 1 recruiting clinical trial is currently listed for Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome?
7 specialists and care centers treating Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.