A 72-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and confusion. His temperatu...

Question

A 72-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and confusion. His temperature is 38.9°C. He has no focal neurological signs. His GCS is 13. A CT head is normal. What is the MOST important next investigation?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar puncture for CSF analysis

Answer

MRI brain with contrast

Answer

EEG

Answer

Carotid Doppler ultrasound

Answer

Repeat CT head in 24 hours

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Bacterial Meningitis - Investigation in Older People

A 72-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, and confusion. His temperature is 38.9°C. He has no focal neurological signs. His GCS is 13. A CT head is normal. What is the MOST important next investigation?