Question

A 54-year-old man presents with a thunderclap headache reaching maximal intensity within seconds, associated with vomiting but no focal deficits. CT head within 2 hours of onset is normal. According to accepted Canadian practice for suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage, what is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Perform lumbar puncture to look for xanthochromia

Answer

Reassure and discharge with analgesia

Answer

Order CT angiography only

Answer

Start anticoagulation for presumed venous sinus thrombosis

Answer

Order carotid Doppler ultrasound

Practice question

A 54-year-old man presents with a thunderclap headache reaching maximal intensity within seconds, associated with vomiting but no focal deficits. CT head within 2 hours of onset is normal. According to accepted Canadian practice for suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage, what is the next best step?