Possible subarachnoid Haemorrhage and Normal CT Head and No Lumbar Puncture

Possible subarachnoid Haemorrhage and Normal CT Head and No Lumbar Puncture

Normal CT Head and No Lumbar Puncture

After discussion with a senior doctor, you have decided not to have a lumbar puncture performed following your normal CT Head scan and headache. As discussed with you already, the chance that you may have an undiagnosed Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH) is very small.

You should take simple analgesics (‘pain killers’) such as paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat your headache and rest as much as possible and remain well hydrated – drink appropriate amounts of liquid; avoid alcohol.

You should return to the emergency department urgently if you develop any of the problems below:

• new weakness of your arms or legs
• new weakness of your face
• problems with your speech or balance
• you become ‘drowsy’ or confused, or family members are concerned about any ‘unusual behaviour’
• vomiting and the cause is not known

There are many causes of headaches e.g. migraine, tension headache, and headache due to medication: if your headache persists despite using simple analgesia then consider making an appointment to see your General Practitioner.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day. If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.