A 46-year-old woman presents with sudden onset 'worst headache of her life' during exercise, with neck stiffness but normal initial CT brain within 6 ...

Question

A 46-year-old woman presents with sudden onset 'worst headache of her life' during exercise, with neck stiffness but normal initial CT brain within 6 hours of onset. What is the next best investigation to exclude subarachnoid haemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar puncture to assess for xanthochromia and red blood cells

Answer

No further testing is needed

Answer

MRI brain only

Answer

Carotid Doppler ultrasound

Answer

Electroencephalogram

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Subarachnoid haemorrhage

A 46-year-old woman presents with sudden onset 'worst headache of her life' during exercise, with neck stiffness but normal initial CT brain within 6 hours of onset. What is the next best investigation to exclude subarachnoid haemorrhage?