The typical patient is a woman from 20 to 60 years of age.
Clinical findings:
(1) recurrent severe headaches, which may be classified as "thunderclap" or migraine
(2) may be associated with a risk factor (see previous section) but also may be idiopathic
(3) attacks often associated with nausea, vomiting and photophobia
(4) fluctuating or recurring sensory and/or motor deficits with or without seizures
(5) neurologic consequences often are reversible but some patients may develop permanent neurologic disabilities
Imaging findings:
(1) reversible segmental arterial vasoconstriction (vasospasm) on CT angiography or other imaging study
Histologic findings:
(1) no evidence of vasculitis
Therapy usually involves therapy with:
(1) corticosteroids
(2) calcium channel antagonists
(3) control of blood pressure
