A 72-year-old man suddenly develops right-sided weakness and slurred speech while watching television. His wife calls an ambulance which arrives 30 mi...

Question

A 72-year-old man suddenly develops right-sided weakness and slurred speech while watching television. His wife calls an ambulance which arrives 30 minutes later. On arrival at the emergency department, FAST is positive. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT scan of the head as soon as possible

Answer

MRI brain with contrast within 72 hours

Answer

Carotid Doppler ultrasound before any imaging

Answer

No imaging – start Aspirin immediately

Answer

Lumbar puncture to confirm diagnosis

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Acute stroke – initial imaging

A 72-year-old man suddenly develops right-sided weakness and slurred speech while watching television. His wife calls an ambulance which arrives 30 minutes later. On arrival at the emergency department, FAST is positive. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?