Table 6.
Clinically-relevant composite categories of variables from patient history and examination independently associated with ED neuroimaging (p<0.05)1.
| Category | n (%) | Adjusted OR (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|
| Abnormal neurological exam | 20 (8.9) | 7.4 (1.7, 33.2) |
| Extreme pain intensity of presenting headache | 126 (56.3) | 5.5 (2.1, 14.4) |
| Vomiting (any) | 71 (31.7) | 4.6 (1.9, 10.7) |
| Positional symptoms2 | 136 (60.7) | 3.4 (1.4, 8.7) |
| Duration of current headache ≤1 day | 76 (33.9) | 0.3 (0.1, 0.7) |
Categories analyzed in the model were: Abnormal neurological exam finding (other than altered mental status); neurological or neurocognitive dysfunction; change in headache characteristics; extreme pain intensity of presenting headache; positional symptoms; symptoms concerning for subarachnoid hemorrhage; Valsalva- or exertion-related symptoms; vomiting (any); headache duration ≤1 day; and headache duration >1 week (see Supplemental Table 2 for specific red flag findings in each category).
A symptom such as headache or vomiting that changes or is associated with a change in position, or prolonged supine position.