Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome

[pattismith]

I do believe ME/CFS patients do have a particular sensitivity to brain vasoconstriction;

I also suspect Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome is the tip of an iceberg with underdiagnosed subclinical patients.

Brain fog may be related to cerebral vasoconstriction in a subset of patients.

Here a medical page from NewZealand

"Clinical Presentation​

RCVS classically presents with sudden-onset and severe headaches that recur over a 1–3 week period. The headaches may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and photophobia. Most headaches are bilateral and involve the occipital region. Patients with a history of headaches (including migraines) describe the headache as different from their usual headache.

Neurological complications occur in up to 50% of patients. Complications include seizures, cortical subarachnoid haemorrhage, ischaemic stroke and intra-cerebral haemorrhage.

RCVS is more common in women and in middle aged people (median age of 40–60 years). Up to 80% of patients have identifiable triggers such as exertion, cough, defecation or sexual activity."

"Possible causes of RCVS1-3​

Although RCVS can occur spontaneously, a number of potential secondary causes have also been identified. Vasoactive substances (50% of cases) and the post-partum state (9% of patients) are the secondary causes most commonly implicated (Table 1)."

https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUArticles/ReversibleCerebralVasoconstrictionSyndromeJune2012.htm