Table 2

Causes of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and associated conditions

Postpartum

  • With or without exposure to vasoactive substances, eclampsia/pre-eclampsia

Exposure to vasoactive substances

  • Cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, LSD, binge drinking

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

  • Nasal decongestants—phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine

  • Ergotamine tartrate

  • Methergine

  • Bromocriptine, lisuride

  • Triptans

  • Isometheptine

  • Nicotine patches

  • Ginseng

Catecholamine secreting tumours

  • Phaeochromocytoma, bronchial carcinoid tumour, glomus tumours

Exposure to immunosuppressants or blood products

  • Tacrolimus (FK-506), cyclophosphamide, erythropoietin, intravenous immunoglobulin, red blood cell transfusion, interferon α

Miscellaneous

  • Hypercalcaemia, porphyria, head trauma, subdural spinal haematoma, carotid endarterectomy, neurosurgical procedures, CSF hypotension

Extra or intracranial large artery disorders

  • Cervical dissection, unruptured intracranial aneurysm, dysplasia