Cerebrovascular Disease USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 44-year-old woman develops sudden severe occipital headache while exercising, describing it as the worst headache of her life. She is febrile (38.2°C), hypertensive (168/98 mmHg), and tachycardic (102 bpm). She reports neck stiffness and vomits twice. Non-contrast head CT is unremarkable. Lumbar puncture reveals xanthochromia with RBC 8,000/μL and protein 95 mg/dL. She denies recent trauma or anticoagulant use. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- ASubdural hematoma
- BMigraine with aura
- CSubarachnoid hemorrhageCorrect answer
- DTemporal arteritis
- EEpidural hematoma
- FAcute meningitis
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