A 48-year-old man with no past medical history presents with acute severe headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. CT head is normal. According to me...

Question

A 48-year-old man with no past medical history presents with acute severe headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. CT head is normal. According to meningitis management principles, what is the next best step?

Accepted Answer

Perform lumbar puncture and start empiric intravenous antibiotics promptly

Answer

Reassure and discharge

Answer

Wait 24 hours and repeat CT

Answer

Start oral antibiotics as outpatient

Answer

Order MRI before proceeding

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Suspected bacterial meningitis

A 48-year-old man with no past medical history presents with acute severe headache, photophobia and neck stiffness. CT head is normal. According to meningitis management principles, what is the next best step?