skip to main content

Migraine with aura — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyAcute Neurological PresentationsMigraine with auraSCE Acute Medicine

A 29-year-old woman is assessed on the acute medical unit. She has recurrent unilateral throbbing headache with photophobia. Visual zig-zag lines spread over 20 minutes before pain and neurological examination is normal. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Migraine with aura

Migraine with aura is the best answer because gradual spreading positive visual symptoms followed by recurrent headache support migraine with aura. Functional neurological disorder is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: TIA symptoms are usually sudden negative deficits.

Reference: NICE CG150