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25 Headache Attributed toReversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
Fig. 25.2 MR angiography of the intracranial arteries and branches of the external carotid artery showing multiple constrictions or vascular lumen narrowing (arrows), predominantly affecting the posterior cerebral, middle cerebral, anterior cerebral, and left vertebral arteries. Note the signi­cant occlusion of the left posterior cerebral artery (arrowhead), corresponding to the infarct observed in the left cerebral hemisphere within the posterior cerebral artery territory (see Fig.25.1)
Fig. 25.3 Intraoperative image of posterior fossa craniectomy at the moment of dura mater opening, showing the spontaneous extrusion of softened ischemic cerebellar tissue due to severe intracranial hypertension
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Years later, she continues to experience right homonymous hemianopia and behavioral disturbances, including irritability and reduced spontaneity.

25.3 Case Discussion

This case illustrates several important aspects of RCVS: (1) Triggering Factors: The patient had a history of medication overuse and recent exposure to fexofenadine, a medication with sympathomimetic properties. Additionally, the surgical procedure itself may have contributed to endothelial dysfunction and subsequent vasoconstric­tion. (2) Neurological Complications: While RCVS is often self-limiting, severe
244
M. Valença and L. P. A. de Andrade-Valença
cases can lead to extensive ischemic damage, intracranial hypertension, and brain­stem compression requiring surgical intervention. (3) Recovery and Sequelae: Despite signicant initial decits, the patient demonstrated substantial recovery, albeit with persistent visual and behavioral impairments. This highlights the vari­ability in RCVS prognosis.
RCVS is thought to result from transient dysfunction of cerebrovascular tone, possibly triggered by endothelial injury, autonomic dysregulation, or vasoactive substances. The hallmark feature is the reversible nature of arterial constrictions, which typically resolve within 3months.
RCVS shares overlapping features with other conditions, necessitating careful differentiation:
• Primary Thunderclap Headache: Unlike RCVS, these headaches do not involve
arterial vasoconstriction.
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH): RCVS can mimic SAH, but neuroimaging
typically lacks hemorrhagic features.
• Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Both conditions can
present with similar imaging ndings, but PRES is more commonly associated
with hypertension and edema without arterial narrowing.
• Eclampsia: RCVS in pregnant women must be distinguished from eclampsia,
which typically presents with proteinuria and hypertension.
RCVS diagnosis relies on clinical and radiological ndings:
• Sudden-onset thunderclap headache, often recurrent.
• Multifocal segmental arterial narrowing on MR angiography or conventional
angiography.
• Absence of aneurysmal SAH or other clear vascular pathology.
• Resolution of vasoconstriction within 3months.
There is no specic treatment for RCVS, but supportive care includes:
• Pain management: Nonsteroidal anti-inammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and calcium
channel blockers (e.g., nimodipine) may help reduce headache frequency.
• Blood pressure control: Avoidance of excessive hypotension or hypertension.
• Withdrawal of vasoactive substances: Discontinuing triggers such as sympatho-
mimetics, triptans, or serotonergic agents.
• Close monitoring: In severe cases, intensive care may be required to manage
complications like ischemia or brain edema.

25.4 Conclusion

RCVS remains an underrecognized yet clinically signicant cause of thunderclap headache. This case underscores the importance of identifying potential triggers, recognizing severe neurological complications, and providing timely intervention.
25 Headache Attributed toReversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
245

References

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2. Singhal AB.Thunderclap headache, reversible cerebral arterial vasoconstriction, and unrup­tured aneurysms. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2002;2002(73):96; author reply –7.
3. Dodick DW.Thunderclap headache. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2002;2002(72):6–11.
4. Postolowski M, Shakil O, Ramachandran L, Rao CV. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome secondary to escitalopram. Clin Med Res. 2024;22(2024):222–6.
5. Wang C, Iftekharuddin A, Fipps DC.Management of psychiatric diagnoses in reversible cere­bral vasoconstriction syndrome: the dangers of worsening pathology with serotonergic medi­cations: a case report and literature review. J Psychiatr Pract. 2024;30(2024):379–84.
6. Montarello NL, Irvine I, Warner V, Hare J, Kaye D, Cloud GC. Reversible cerebral vaso­constriction syndrome post-cardiac transplantation: a therapeutic dilemma: case report. BMC Neurol. 2024;2024(24):277.
7. Soh RJH, Lim GZ, Vijayan J, Tan K.Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome after intravenous immunoglobulin: a rare cause of headache and sudden onset weakness in a patient with Guillain-Barre syndrome. BMJ Case Rep. 2024;17(2024)
8. Wei C, Zhai F, Jia C, Zhang W, Zhou D, Zhang Y.Immunochemotherapy triggered reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in a patient with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma. 2024;2024(65):848–51.
9. Osmont MN, Malrain C, Ruellan AL, Benchikh A, Herlem E, Polard E, Scailteux LM.Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in a methylphenidate-treated patient: a case report. BMC Neurol. 2024;24(2024):494.
10. Roa CH, Rodriguez LC, Bastidas N, Vergara S, Borda S, Osorio G, etal. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome secondary to chronic cocaine abuse: case report. Radiol Case Rep. 2025;20(2025):597–601.
11. Santos Neto EPD, Sousa IA, Ricarte IF, Pontes-Neto OM.Reversible cerebral vasoconstric­tion syndrome and bromuscular dysplasia: an epiphenomenon or a causal relationship? Acta Neurol Taiwan. 2024;33(3):122–6.
12. Senthilkumaran S, Williams J, Almeida JR, Williams HF, Patel K, Thirumalaikolundusubramanian P, Vaiyapuri S. Snakebite-induced reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: Report of three cases. Toxicon. 2024;251(2024):108161.
13. Seok HY, Eun MY, Kim S, Lee JJ, Oh GR, Kim GY, Sohn SI.Reversible cerebral vasocon­striction syndrome in Guillain-Barre syndrome: a case report and literature review. Neurol Sci. 2024;45(2024):101–7.
14. Shimura M, Fujikawa H, Yazawa M, Matsumoto Y, Yamada M.An autopsy case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome after a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccination. Cureus. 2024;2024(16):e59311.
15. Li S, Yang Y, Zuo J, Du N, Kou G.Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome following intracranial hypotension in a postpartum patient: a case report and literature review. Front Neurol. 2023;2023(14):1281074.
16. Valenca MM, Andrade-Valenca LP, Bordini CA, Speciali JG.Thunderclap headache attributed to reversible cerebral vasoconstriction: view and review. J Headache Pain. 2008;2008(9):277–88.
17. Nelson SE.Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and female sex: a narrative review. Stroke. 2024;2024(55):1113–7.
18. Pelham-Webb B, Guo Y, Ramirez A, Waldron E, Emmanuele V, Vargas W, Kahn J, Stone EF.When transfusion causes a splitting headache: a case report and rapid review of transfusion­associated reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. Transfusion. 2024;64(11):2038–42.
https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.17984.
19. Verma A, Sharma G, Singh A, Gupta H, Singh DP, Gaidhane AM, Khatib MN, Bushi G, Sah S, Ndabashinze R.Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome following blood transfusion
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org/10.1002/ccr3.9618.
20. Valenca MM, Valenca LP, Bordini CA, da Silva WF, Leite JP, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Speciali JG.Cerebral vasospasm and headache during sexual intercourse and masturbatory orgasms. Headache. 2004;44(2004):244–8.
21. Valença MM, Costa J, Silva WF, Andrade-Valença LPA, Wichert-Ana L, Leite JP.Cerebral arterial narrowing: differential diagnosis, pathophysiology and correlation with headache syn­dromes. Neurobiologia. 2002;65(2002):3–12.
M. Valença and L. P. A. de Andrade-Valença
Chapter 26
Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy andSubcortical Infarcts Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) Attributed Headache
UtkuTopbaş , NevraÖksüz , andAynurÖzge

26.1 Introduction

Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a hereditary condition characterized by pro­gressive degeneration of smooth muscle cells in the walls of small arteries. This leads to recurring strokes, cognitive decline, and characteristic white matter changes in the brain. One of the primary symptoms experienced by CADASIL patients is migraine, often with aura, which can precede other neurological manifestations by many years [1, 2]. By exploring the nuances of headaches attributed to CADASIL, this chapter aims to elucidate the implications of these ndings for clinical practice and future investigations, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and potential strategies for managing this complex condition.

26.2 Pathophysiology

CADASIL is caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene, leading to abnormal pro­tein accumulation in blood vessels. The resultant arteriopathy is characterized by thickening of vessel walls, luminal narrowing, and ultimately, reduced cerebral blood ow. This vascular pathology underlies the occurrence of migraines, which are prevalent in up to 40% of CADASIL patients. Migraines in CADASIL are often
U. Topbaş · N. Öksüz School of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
A. Özge ( Mersin State Hospital, Mersin, Turkey
Switzerland AG 2026 D. Uludüz et al. (eds.), Rare Causes of Headache Disorders, Headache,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-10242-3_26
*)
247© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature
248
Fig. 26.1 Mechanism of CADASIL white matter intensities (WMI) causes clinical presentation
U. Topbaş et al.
accompanied by aura and may evolve into chronic daily headaches. The headaches are typically severe and can signicantly impact the quality of life of affected indi­viduals. The presence of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on magnetic reso­nance imaging (MRI) is a hallmark of CADASIL and correlates with the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks [35].
Figure 26.1 visually summarizes the complex pathophysiology of CADASIL to understand the direct link between the genetic mutation and the clinical manifesta­tions, particularly headaches.

26.3 Case Presentation

Ayşe, a 44-year-old woman, presented with a history of chronic migraines that had progressively worsened over the years. Her headaches were primarily characterized by migraine with aura, manifesting as severe, throbbing pain accompanied by visual disturbances such as ashing lights and blind spots, along with sensory changes, including tingling sensations in her limbs. These episodes often lasted several hours and were resistant to conventional migraine therapies. Over time, her migraines evolved into more persistent headaches, eventually occurring on a near-daily basis.
In addition to the headaches, Ayşe experienced cognitive decline, gait distur­bances, and episodic speech difculties, further complicating her clinical picture.
26 Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy and Subcortical Infarcts…
Fig. 26.2 EEG revealed diffuse slowing, consistent with an underlying encephalopathy, and inter­mittent temporal epileptiform discharges, particularly in the left temporal lobe
249
The persistence and progression of her headaches, combined with the presence of other neurological symptoms and a signicant family history of dementia, strongly suggested an underlying genetic disorder. A routine electroencephalography (EEG) was performed, revealing diffuse slowing, consistent with an underlying encepha­lopathy, and intermittent temporal epileptiform discharges, particularly in the left temporal lobe (Fig.26.2). These ndings suggested an increased cortical irritability, which could explain some of her complex partial seizures and further supported the suspicion of a neurodegenerative or vascular etiology. The persistence and progres­sion of her headaches, combined with the presence of other neurological symptoms, a signicant family history of dementia, and these EEG ndings, strongly suggested an underlying genetic disorder.
Brain MRI revealed characteristic white matter hyperintensities, particularly in the periventricular regions and corpus callosum, which, along with the identication of a pathogenic mutation in the NOTCH3 gene, conrmed the diagnosis of CADASIL (Fig. 26.3). Ayşe’s headache characteristics, especially the chronic migraines with aura that were unresponsive to treatment and associated with cogni­tive and motor symptoms, were pivotal in prompting the consideration of CADASIL as a diagnosis.
Over time, her condition progressed to include secondary parkinsonism, poly­neuropathy, complex partial epilepsy, and increasing disability. Despite medical interventions, her condition deteriorated, with recurrent falls, bradykinesia, and severe motor impairments leading to a reliance on a wheelchair.
250
U. Topbaş et al.
Fig. 26.3 MRI ndings of our case show white matter hyperintensities, especially in the corpus callosum, and mild atrophy in the frontoparietal regions

26.4 Case Discussion

Ayşe’s case illustrates the progressive nature of CADASIL, with initial manifesta- tions of migraine evolving into more severe neurological decits. Her clinical course highlights the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive
26 Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy and Subcortical Infarcts…
management in CADASIL patients, emphasizing the need for genetic testing in individuals with a family history of stroke or dementia and atypical migraine [5].
251

26.5 Clinical Characteristics

Headaches in CADASIL are predominantly characterized by migraine with aura, often presenting before other neurological symptoms. These migraines are typically severe, featuring visual disturbances, sensory changes, and sometimes motor symp­toms, and they may be resistant to conventional therapies [1]. As CADASIL pro­gresses, migraines can evolve into chronic daily headaches, with tension-type headaches also emerging in later stages due to cerebral microangiopathy [5]. Migraine disorders occur in 20–40% of CADASIL patients, with some cases involv­ing status migrainous and persistent aura, highlighting the complex relationship between CADASIL and migraine [6]. The high prevalence of right-to-left shunt in CADASIL patients with migraines underscores the hereditary nature of the condi­tion and its pathophysiological links to headaches [5, 6]. Genetic mutations, particu­larly in the NOTCH3 gene, are closely tied to the manifestation of chronic headaches in CADASIL, emphasizing the importance of genetic screening [7]. Understanding these genetic factors is crucial for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as CADASIL’s headache phenotype shares similarities with but diverges from typi­cal migraine with aura [7, 8]. Additionally, acute confusional migraine (ACM) may serve as an early indicator of CADASIL, often preceding diagnosis by several years [1, 2]. Current research underscores the need to reevaluate how CADASIL-related headaches are classied, advocating for a more nuanced approach considering the genetic mechanisms underlying these headaches [1].

26.6 Diagnostic Algorithm

Step 1: Clinical Suspicion
Identify Key Symptoms:
– Migraine with aura – Family history of stroke or dementia
Step 2: Initial Diagnostic Workup
Perform Brain MRI:
Assess for White Matter Hyperintensities (WMHs):
• Anterior temporal lobes
• External capsules
• Periventricular regions
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U. Topbaş et al.
Step 3: Genetic Testing
Conduct Genetic Testing:
Test for NOTCH3 gene mutations
Step 4: Additional Diagnostic Evaluations
Perform EEG:
Look for signs of encephalopathy and temporal epileptiform discharges
Neuropsychological Testing:
Assess cognitive function to identify possible cognitive decline
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis:
Exclude other differential diagnoses
Step 5: Apply ICHD-3 Diagnostic Criteria [9]
A. Typical, hemiplegic, or recurrent migraine attacks with prolonged aura B. Presence of subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (conrmed by MRI) C. Fulll at least two of the following:
First detection of migraine with aura. Migraine attacks with aura combined with other CADASIL manifestations
(e.g., ischemic stroke, mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction).
D. Exclude more suitable diagnoses according to ICHD-3 criteria.
Step 6: Conrm Diagnosis
• Conrm CADASIL diagnosis:
– NOTCH3 antibody testing (via immunohistochemical staining or biopsy)*
Step 7: Classication Re-evaluation
• Reassess headache classication:
– Consider genetic mechanisms in the classication within the context of
vascular disorders
*The diagnosis of this disorder is based on NOTCH3 antibodies by immunohisto-
chemical staining or extracellular granular osmiophilic in arterial media elec-
tron for material evaluation a simple deep microscopy of the skin NOTCH3
mutations using biopsy is detected by scanning [9].
Other investigations: EEG, neuropsychological testing, and cerebrospinal uid analysis may aid in excluding other differential diagnoses [4, 7].
The classication of headaches associated with genetic disorders, particularly CADASIL, requires a critical re-evaluation, as highlighted by Sacco etal. [1]. Their examination of the International Classication of Headache Disorders suggests that