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Long-term outcomes after reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.
Seby John1, Aneesh B Singhal2, Leonard Calabrese3
1Cerebrovascular Center, Cleveland Clinic, USA.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|June 20, 2015
Summary
Long-term outcomes for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) show most patients regain function but over half experience chronic headaches. Pain and anxiety remain concerns, impacting quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Long-term outcomes of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) are not well-documented.
- RCVS is a condition characterized by temporary narrowing of brain arteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate the long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with RCVS.
- To assess chronic headache prevalence, functional independence, and quality of life after RCVS.
Main Methods:
- Validated questionnaires (e.g., HIT, MIDAS, BI, EQ-5D-5L, PHQ-9) were mailed to RCVS patients.
- Data collected from patients in RCVS registries at two academic hospitals.
- Median follow-up duration was 78 months post-symptom onset.
Main Results:
- 53% of patients reported persistent headaches post-RCVS, though severity often improved.
- 97.5% of respondents achieved functional independence (Barthel Index).
- EQ-5D-5L scores indicated challenges in pain and anxiety/depression domains, especially for those with persistent headaches.
Conclusions:
- Over half of RCVS patients develop chronic headaches distinct from initial thunderclap events.
- Most patients regain full functional ability, but chronic pain and psychological distress can persist.
- These persistent issues, often linked to chronic headaches, can negatively impact quality of life.
