Thunderclap headache in a patient with Salmonella Enterica meningitis

We report on a case of Salmonella enterica meningitis in a healthy, immunocompetent adult who presented with a thunderclap headache. This case illustrates the importance of avoiding early diagnostic closure, particularly when initial results are unrevealing. Although Salmonella enterica meningitis is exceedingly rare, this patient's persistent symptoms of nausea,vomiting and ongoing, without a history of migraine prompted further evaluation despite a negative non-contrast head CT for subarachnoid hemorrhage. A subsequent lumbar puncture ultimately confirmed the diagnosis. This case highlights the need for emergency physicians to maintain a broad differential diagnosis and continue diagnostic workups when clinical suspicion remains high, even in the absence of classic signs of life- threatening conditions like meningitis.