Raynaud’s disease
a disorder characterized by episodes of painful vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the extremities, especially the fingers and toes. The attacks, usually lasting up to 15 minutes, are precipitated by cold exposure or, in one third of cases, by emotional stress. Raynaud’s phenomenon refers to similar symptoms caused by another disease—for example, rheumatoid arthritis—or by toxic agents, such as vinyl chloride. Drug therapy and behavioral treatment (with thermal biofeedback) have proven effective in relieving the attacks. [identified in 1854 by Maurice Raynaud (1834–1881), French physician]