Question

A 33-year-old presents to the ED with thunderclap headache 2 hours after onset, normal neuro exam. Which diagnostic strategy is supported to exclude subarachnoid haemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Noncontrast head CT within 6 hours suffices to rule out SAH

Answer

Skip CT; do LP only

Answer

CT negative; no further testing ever required

Answer

MRI brain only

Answer

Discharge with NSAIDs only

Practice question

A 33-year-old presents to the ED with thunderclap headache 2 hours after onset, normal neuro exam. Which diagnostic strategy is supported to exclude subarachnoid haemorrhage?