25th December 2023

Investigations

All patients should undergo routine haematological testing. In patients under the age of 50 without atherosclerotic risk factors, further investigation is not required.

• Haematological evaluation: FBC, CRP, ESR, cholesterol and lipid profile. Thrombophilia screening should be guided by history and concomitant symptoms.
• Cardiac investigations: ECG +/- 24-hour Holter monitor; ECHO; carotid Doppler scanning.
• Neuroimaging to exclude a haemorrhagic lesion in the brain. Angiographic imaging (CTA/ MRA) may also be utilised in imaging the head and neck.