A 52-year-old woman presents with a sudden onset severe occipital headache, which she describes as “”the worst headache of my life””. It reached maxim...

Question

A 52-year-old woman presents with a sudden onset severe occipital headache, which she describes as “”the worst headache of my life””. It reached maximal intensity within one minute. There is associated neck stiffness but no focal neurological deficit. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?

Accepted Answer

Non-contrast CT head as soon as possible

Answer

MRI brain with contrast

Answer

Lumbar puncture immediately in A&E

Answer

CT cerebral angiography only

Answer

No imaging; treat as migraine

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Subarachnoid haemorrhage