Close
13th August 2024
A 72-year-old female presented to A&E with a sudden-onset occipital headache 3 hours ago
A 72-year-old female presented to A&E with a sudden-onset occipital headache 3 hours ago. She has a history of previous stroke with residual left-sided arm weakness and type 2 diabetes. On a neurological exam her left-sided arm weakness is evident. There are no cranial nerve abnormalities. Blood tests show:
| Hb 166 (115-160) | Plts 455 (150-400) | CRP 2 (<5) | K⁺ 3.8 (3.5-5) |
| WBC 10.9 (4-11) | Haematocrit 0.51 (0.37-0.45) | Na⁺ 134 (135-145) | Creatinine 92 (45-84) |
CT head is normal. A lumbar puncture is performed 12 hours after the onset of headache:
| CSF culture: negative | CSF xanthochromia: negative | CSF RBC: 500 x 10⁶/L (<5) | CSF WBC/mm³: 15, predominantly lymphocytes (<5) |
What is the most likely underlying diagnosis?
Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.
Complete Guide to Clinical Genetics ST3 Application and Recruitment (2027)
Written by Medibuddy. Last updated: October 2026. Clinical Genetics is
Complete Guide to Clinical Radiology ST3 Application and Recruitment (2027)
Recruitment paused: NHS England is not running Clinical Radiology ST3+ recru
Complete Guide to Paediatric Surgery ST3 Application and Recruitment in United Kingdom (2026)
Written by Medibuddy. Last updated: October 2026. If you’re planning
Take your subscriptions with you
Our mobile app allows you to access your interview and exam question banks wherever you are.
