ABSTRACT
A 56-year-old woman has presented to the emergency department after collapsing at work. She was sitting at her desk when she developed a severe ache at the back of her head. This was so excruciating that she passed out. Witnesses did not note any shaking of limbs, and she came around within a minute. She vomited twice en route to the hospital and complained of double vision. Her medical history includes polycystic kidney disease and hypertension. She is taking ramipril and bendroflumethiazide for hypertension. She does not smoke or drink alcohol. Her sister also has polycystic kidney disease. She did experience a similar but much less severe headache two weeks ago but put it down to strain from using a new work computer.
