Question

A 70-year-old man presents with acute confusion, fever, and neck stiffness. Suspected meningitis. A lumbar puncture is planned. According to NICE, which sign warrants a CT head before lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Focal neurological deficit

Answer

High fever (39°C)

Answer

Neck stiffness

Answer

Photophobia

Answer

Cloudy CSF on aspiration

Practice question

A 70-year-old man presents with acute confusion, fever, and neck stiffness. Suspected meningitis. A lumbar puncture is planned. According to NICE, which sign warrants a CT head before lumbar puncture?