Objective To investigate the clinical and radiological characteristics of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) and to improve the understanding of this disease.Methods The clinical and radiological data of three patients with RCVS were retrospectively studied, and the relevant literature was reviewed.Results All the three patients presented with severe headache as the first symptom. One patient had weakness in both lower extremities and another had blurred vision and right hemiparesis. Transcranial Doppler revealed different levels of increase in speed of blood flow in cerebral vessels. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography indicated partial vasospasm, and beading appearance was observed in typical cases. Head MRI indicated intracephalic lesions in 2 patients. No abnormalities were observed in cerebrospinal fluid examination. The clinical symptoms disappeared after treatment with calcium antagonists. Ultrasound examination during 1-7 months after treatment demonstrated complete recovery, suggesting that the disease was monophasic with good prognosis.Conclusions RCVS should be considered for patients with clinical features of bursting or lightning headache, with vasospasm in angiography, with or without nervous system signs after exclusion of other possibilities.