A non-traumatic, rapid-onset headache that is as dangerous as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) seen in the emergency department

A 36  yo male with multiple non-traumatic, rapid-onset headaches had Emergency Department visits on days 3 and 10 after onset of symptoms. He is a social smoker and drinker. CT head imaging was negative. An MRI/MRA was obtained. The image represents multiple foci of vasoconstriction and dilation in med ium and large cerebral vessels consistent with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS). Multiple rapid-onset headaches and “string of beads” on MRA imaging are pathognomonic for RCVS, which has a 4:1 female to male ratio.
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research