26th June 2023

A 55-year-old lady presents with a constant severe shooting, burning pain on the right side of her face

A 55-year-old lady presents with a constant severe shooting, burning pain on the right side of her face, which has progressively worsened over the last few days, associated with a facial weakness on the right side involving her forehead and mouth. She also complains of some vertigo. On examination, she has a right-sided complete facial palsy which is tender to touch, with otherwise normal neurology.

What is the single most appropriate next investigation to perform?