Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: A complicated clinical course treated with intra-arterial application of nimodipine

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • M. Elstner - , Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • J. Linn - , Institute and Polyclinic of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • S. Müller-Schunk - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • A. Straube - , Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich (Author)

Abstract

Thunderclap headache (TCH) is a neurological emergency that warrants immediate and comprehensive diagnostic determination. When no pathology can be identified the condition is classified as primary TCH, which is considered benign and self-limiting. TCH has also been reported as the initial symptom of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), which subsumes a variety of conditions, inconsistently coined Call-Flemming syndrome, benign angiopathy of the central nervous system, drug-induced arteritis, or migrainous vasospasm. Serious complications such as borderline ischaemic stroke have been reported. Although no standardized treatment regime exists, one commonly described but unproven therapy is parenteral or oral application of the calcium channel blocker nimodipine. Here, we report on a case of RCVS, where a progressive course prompted intra-arterial application of nimodipine, which resolved vasoconstriction immediately. We discuss the use of intra-arterial nimodipine application as a potential emergency treatment for a complicated or treatment-refractory course of RCVS.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)677-682
Number of pages6
JournalCephalalgia
Volume29
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2009
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 19239677

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Intra-arterial, Nimodipine, Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, Thunderclap headache, Vasospasm