🧠 RCVS2 Score (Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction)
UseWhen to use: thunderclap headache with intracranial vasoconstriction workup.
Strata≥5 favors RCVS; ≤2 argues against; intermediate needs course/imaging integration.
LimitsWhen not to use: as standalone diagnosis without vascular imaging. · Pitfall: missing PACNS / atherosclerotic mimics. · Follow vasoconstriction reversibility over time.
SourceRocha EA et al. RCVS₂ score
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Thunderclap weighted.
When to use
When to use: thunderclap headache with intracranial vasoconstriction workup.
How it works
Recurrent TCH (+5) or single (+1); ICA vasoconstriction (−2); trigger (+3); female (+1); SAH (+1).
Key points
- Thunderclap weighted.
- ≥5 favors RCVS.
- Next: vascular imaging course.
References
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Thunderclap headache | Single thunderclap (+1) |
|---|---|
| Intracranial carotid artery vasoconstriction present | No (0) |
| Vasoconstrictive trigger identified | No (0) |
| Sex | Male (0) |
| Subarachnoid hemorrhage (often convexity) | No (0) |
→RCVS₂1−2 to 10
- Cue：Score ≤2 — against RCVS; consider PACNS / atherosclerosis / other vasculopathy
| Thunderclap headache | Recurrent thunderclap (+5) |
|---|---|
| Intracranial carotid artery vasoconstriction present | No (0) |
| Vasoconstrictive trigger identified | No (0) |
| Sex | Male (0) |
| Subarachnoid hemorrhage (often convexity) | No (0) |
→RCVS₂5−2 to 10
- Cue：Score ≥5 — favors RCVS in derivation/validation
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Does RCVS2 Score (Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is RCVS2 Score (Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Thunderclap headache Single thunderclap (+1), Intracranial carotid artery vasoconstriction present No (0), Vasoconstrictive trigger identified No (0), Sex Male (0), Subarachnoid hemorrhage (often convexity) No (0) → Result: RCVS₂ 1 −2 to 10（Cue: Score ≤2 — against RCVS; consider PACNS / atherosclerosis / other vasculopathy） Inputs: Thunderclap headache Recurrent thunderclap (+5), Intracranial carotid artery vasoconstriction present No (0), Vasoconstrictive trigger identified No (0), Sex Male (0), Subarachnoid hemorrhage (often convexity) No (0) → Result: RCVS₂ 5 −2 to 10（Cue: Score ≥5 — favors RCVS in derivation/validation）