emDocs - February 14, 2022 - By John J. Campo and Manpreet Singh
Reviewed by: Joe Ravera; Alex Koyfman; Brit Long
Take Home Points
- All patients presenting with a thunderclap headache should undergo evaluation for a SAH starting with a NCCTH.
- If performed within 6 hours of onset of the headache, a negative NCCTH essentially rules out a SAH.
- If outside the 6-hour window, further evaluation with an LP (or CTA) should be pursued if the CT is negative.
- The most common mistake made by providers leading to misdiagnosis is not getting a NCCTH.