Case challenge · Neurology / Emergency / Neurosurgery · teaching

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) — Diagnostic & Management Pathway · case challenge

Given a case, work through the care pathway step by step; the tool checks each choice and scores you. Decisions and basis are taken from this site's reviewed care pathways.

← View the full flowchartBased on AHA/ASA · NICE

Case #1Neurology / Emergency / Neurosurgery

📋 Case data

Thunderclap headache · non-contrast CTCT negative but highly suspicious
Lumbar puncturePositive (xanthochromia / red cells)

Data is taken from this pathway's reviewed node text. Work through the pathway step by step.

Step 1 / 2 · Thunderclap headache · non-contrast CT

Non-contrast head CT result?

💡 Sudden severe ('worst of life') headache ± neck stiffness, vomiting, altered consciousness, photophobia is highly suspicious for SAH. Immediate non-contrast head CT (sensitivity 98–100% within 6 h, declining thereafter).

For teaching. Decisions and their basis are taken from this site's reviewed care pathways; for licensed clinicians/trainees, this does not replace clinical judgment or local protocols.