Question

A 30-year-old man presents to the Emergency Department with sudden onset severe headache, described as 'thunderclap'. He has neck stiffness and photophobia. His GCS is 15, BP 150/90 mmHg. What is the most critical initial investigation to perform?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT head scan

Answer

Lumbar puncture

Answer

MRI brain with MRA

Answer

CT angiogram of cerebral vessels

Answer

Full blood count and coagulation screen

Practice question

A 30-year-old man presents to the Emergency Department with sudden onset severe headache, described as 'thunderclap'. He has neck stiffness and photophobia. His GCS is 15, BP 150/90 mmHg. What is the most critical initial investigation to perform?