A patient presents two hours after the onset of right-sided weakness and aphasia. What is the first investigation?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. A non-contrast CT scan of the head to exclude haemorrhage
- Step 1: Thrombolysis can only be given once bleeding has been excluded. Step 2. Non-contrast CT is fast and shows acute haemorrhage. Answer: Non-contrast CT of the head. Why not the others: Lumbar puncture is not the first test. EEG does not separate stroke from haemorrhage. A Doppler study cannot delay the scan.
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