Question

A 50-year-old presents with sudden worst headache of life 2 hours ago; neuro exam normal. What diagnostic approach is supported by ED policy to exclude SAH?

Accepted Answer

Noncontrast head CT within 6 hours can exclude SAH if normal on a modern scanner

Answer

MRI brain only

Answer

LP first in all cases

Answer

CT angiography alone is sufficient in all cases

Answer

Wait for symptom resolution before imaging

Practice question

A 50-year-old presents with sudden worst headache of life 2 hours ago; neuro exam normal. What diagnostic approach is supported by ED policy to exclude SAH?