Question

A 60-year-old woman presents with sudden onset severe headache, described as the 'worst headache of my life', reaching peak intensity within minutes. She vomited once and briefly lost consciousness. She has no focal neurological deficits. What is the most urgent investigation required?

Accepted Answer

CT head scan (non-contrast)

Answer

MRI brain with contrast

Answer

Lumbar puncture (LP)

Answer

CT angiogram head and neck

Answer

Blood cultures and ESR

Practice question

A 60-year-old woman presents with sudden onset severe headache, described as the 'worst headache of my life', reaching peak intensity within minutes. She vomited once and briefly lost consciousness. She has no focal neurological deficits. What is the most urgent investigation required?