Question

A 59-year-old man presents with sudden onset severe unilateral headache described as “the worst headache of my life”, associated with vomiting and neck stiffness. His GCS is 15 and neurological examination is otherwise normal. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT head urgently

Answer

MRI brain with contrast

Answer

Lumbar puncture immediately without imaging

Answer

CT head with contrast only

Answer

Outpatient CT head within 2 weeks

Practice question

A 59-year-old man presents with sudden onset severe unilateral headache described as “the worst headache of my life”, associated with vomiting and neck stiffness. His GCS is 15 and neurological examination is otherwise normal. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?