Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41902495›Full record

ReviewHeadache2026

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: A narrative review.

Ícaro Araújo de Sousa, Abner da Silva Machado, Arthur de Oliveira Veras, Thiago Oscar Goulart, Sarah Galassi Tatsuta, Trajano Aguiar Pires Gonçalves, Eva Rocha, Octávio Marques Pontes-Neto

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Headache, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Ícaro Araújo de SousaDepartment of Neuroscience and Behavior Sciences, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.ORCID 0000-0002-9452-1207
Abner da Silva MachadoDepartment of Neuroscience and Behavior Sciences, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Arthur de Oliveira VerasDepartment of Neuroscience and Behavior Sciences, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Thiago Oscar GoulartDepartment of Neuroscience and Behavior Sciences, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Sarah Galassi TatsutaDepartment of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Trajano Aguiar Pires GonçalvesDepartment of Neuroscience and Behavior Sciences, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
Eva RochaDepatment of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Octávio Marques Pontes-NetoDepartment of Neuroscience and Behavior Sciences, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.ORCID 0000-0003-0317-843X

Funding

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) 001
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/

backgroundThis review summarizes current insights into Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) diagnosis, management, and outcomes. RCVS is a cerebrovascular disorder characterized by recurrent thunderclap headaches and transient segmental vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries, typically resolving within 3 months.

methodsA comprehensive database search was performed across MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library.

resultsAlthough often self-limiting, RCVS may cause complications such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, and cerebral edema. Triggers include vasoactive substances, pregnancy, postpartum state, and physical or emotional stress. Differentiating RCVS from conditions like primary angiitis of the central nervous system, aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and cerebral venous thrombosis is essential because clinical and imaging features may overlap, whereas treatments differ. Advances in neuroimaging, especially magnetic resonance angiography and vessel wall imaging, have enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Management focuses on eliminating triggers and symptomatic support. Calcium channel blockers are frequently used, although their impact on disease evolution remains uncertain.

conclusionAlthough most patients recover without major sequelae, chronic symptoms such as long-term headaches and neuropsychological symptoms, including cognitive impairment, underscore the need for ongoing follow-up and suggest a post-RCVS syndrome.

Indexed as

Cerebrovascular DisordersHeadache Disorders, PrimaryVasoconstrictionVasospasm, IntracranialHumansSyndromecognitive impairmentintracranial hemorrhagestrokethunderclap headachevasoconstriction

Identifiers

PMID41902495
PMCPMC13142216

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.