The Link Between Migraine, Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome and Cervical Artery Dissection

Abstract

Headache is the common thread of migraine, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) and cervical artery dissection (CeAD), three medical conditions that otherwise appear to be very different. However, epidemiological, clinical and genetic data suggest that these conditions share common and complex features and are, at least partly, linked. The purpose of this manuscript is to review existing evidence for an association between migraine, RCVS and CeAD and discuss the potential underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: cerebrovascular disease; cervical artery dissection; headache; migraine; reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.