Etymed
vasospasm
Definition
abnormal constriction or spasmodic contraction of blood vessels
Clinical context
A 65-year-old woman presents with sudden onset severe headache and neck stiffness following a motor vehicle accident. CT scan shows no acute intracranial hemorrhage but she develops progressive neurological deficits. Blood pressure monitoring reveals elevated readings with fluctuating cerebral perfusion. The patient's condition deteriorates despite standard trauma care, raising concern for delayed cerebral ischemia secondary to vasospasm.
Mnemonic
VASOSPASM - Vascular Abnormal Spasm - Think 'V' for Vessels, 'A' for Abnormal, 'S' for Spasm, 'P' for Pressure, 'A' for Arterial, 'M' for Massive, 'S' for Spasms, 'N' for Neurological