A 50-year-old woman describes a sudden, severe “worst-ever” occipital headache during exercise, associated with brief collapse but no focal neurology....

Question

A 50-year-old woman describes a sudden, severe “worst-ever” occipital headache during exercise, associated with brief collapse but no focal neurology. She is now stable. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT brain as soon as possible

Answer

MRI brain in 2 weeks

Answer

Lumbar puncture immediately without imaging

Answer

Carotid Doppler ultrasound

Answer

No imaging is required if examination is normal

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Subarachnoid haemorrhage

A 50-year-old woman describes a sudden, severe “worst-ever” occipital headache during exercise, associated with brief collapse but no focal neurology. She is now stable. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?