A 48-year-old woman complains of sudden onset of the worst headache of her life, associated with vomiting and neck stiffness. Blood pressure is 160/95...

Question

A 48-year-old woman complains of sudden onset of the worst headache of her life, associated with vomiting and neck stiffness. Blood pressure is 160/95 mmHg and she is photophobic but has no focal neurological deficit. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT brain

Answer

MRI brain with contrast

Answer

CT cerebral angiography only

Answer

Lumbar puncture immediately without imaging

Answer

Plain skull X-ray

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage

A 48-year-old woman complains of sudden onset of the worst headache of her life, associated with vomiting and neck stiffness. Blood pressure is 160/95 mmHg and she is photophobic but has no focal neurological deficit. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?