Review Article

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: An Important Cause of Acute Severe Headache

Table 2

Secondary precipitants of RCVS [9ā€“12].

Vasoactive substancesPredisposing conditions

Recreational drugs: Cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, LSD, binge drinkingPregnancy
Sympathomimetics, nasal decongestants: ephedrine, pseudoephedrineEclampsia, preeclampsia
Serotonergic drugs: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, triptansNeoplasia: phaeochromocytoma, bronchial carcinoid, glomus tumour
Immunosuppressants: tacrolimus, cyclophosphamideNeurosurgery, head injury
Nicotine patchesHypercalcaemia
Herbal medications: ginsengPorphyria
Blood products: erythropoietin, immunoglobulin, red cell transfusionIntracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage