A 26-year-old woman presents with sudden severe headache described as "the worst of her life" and neck stiffness. CT head performed within 1 hour of o...

Question

A 26-year-old woman presents with sudden severe headache described as "the worst of her life" and neck stiffness. CT head performed within 1 hour of onset is normal. According to best practice for suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage, what is the next most appropriate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar puncture to assess cerebrospinal fluid for xanthochromia and red blood cells

Answer

No further testing is required because CT is normal

Answer

MRI brain only

Answer

Carotid Doppler ultrasound

Answer

EEG

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Subarachnoid haemorrhage - diagnosis after normal CT

A 26-year-old woman presents with sudden severe headache described as "the worst of her life" and neck stiffness. CT head performed within 1 hour of onset is normal. According to best practice for suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage, what is the next most appropriate investigation?