23rd January 2024

A 23 year old woman has had a headache for the past 5 hours that is not getting worse or better

A 23 year old woman has had a headache for the past 5 hours that is not getting worse or better. She can’t bear being in a room with any light and has had to lie down in bed with the lights off. She has never experienced this before and also reports feeling nauseous although she has not vomited. On further questioning she had some visual disturbances that began 2 hours before the headache – she described seeing flashing lights. She is normally fit and well and has not had any recent infections. Her observations are as follows:
Heart rate 80, Respiratory rate 15, Oxygen saturations 99% on air, Blood pressure 125/80, Temperature 37 C. She is alert and responsive.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.