Getting to the heart of a headache
A woman presents with sudden-onset severe headache, prompting an investigation for an underlying cause
An is a 51-year-old woman who is referred to ED by her GP with sudden-onset severe headache.
The headache worsens on exertion and with cough and is relieved at rest, and it does not improve with paracetamol or NSAIDs. There is no associated dizziness or focal neurological symptoms.
An’s medical history is significant for five years of intermittent migraine headaches, which usually respond well to NSAIDs as needed.
Her medical history is otherwise unremarkable, and she is not on any regular medications or herbal supplements. An is a smoker who drinks alcohol occasionally.
