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Published on: May 22, 2019
Diffuse cerebral vasoconstriction (Call-Fleming syndrome) and stroke associated with antidepressants
Olga Noskin1, Elham Jafarimojarrad, Richard B Libman
1Department of Neurology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
Neurology
|July 13, 2006
Summary
Call-Fleming syndrome, a condition causing reversible cerebral vasoconstriction, may be linked to antidepressant use. This syndrome presents with severe headaches and neurological symptoms, warranting consideration during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Call-Fleming syndrome involves reversible segmental cerebral vasoconstriction.
- It is characterized by thunderclap headache and focal neurological deficits.
- The exact etiology remains unknown, though associations with vasoactive drugs exist.
Observation:
- Two patients presenting with Call-Fleming syndrome had a history of antidepressant use.
- This suggests a potential, though hypothetical, association between antidepressants and the syndrome.
Findings:
- The study highlights a possible link between antidepressant use and Call-Fleming syndrome.
- Cerebral artery vasoconstriction may be precipitated by certain antidepressant medications.
Implications:
- Consider Call-Fleming syndrome in patients with unexplained headache and focal deficits during antidepressant therapy.
- Further research is needed to confirm the hypothetical association between antidepressants and cerebral vasoconstriction.
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