A 54-year-old man with chronic low back pain and new right foot drop, saddle anaesthesia and urinary retention presents to a rural emergency departmen...

Question

A 54-year-old man with chronic low back pain and new right foot drop, saddle anaesthesia and urinary retention presents to a rural emergency department. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Urgent MRI and neurosurgical consultation for possible cauda equina syndrome

Answer

Order lumbar spine radiographs and review tomorrow

Answer

Start opioids and discharge with follow-up

Answer

Trial of physiotherapy before imaging

Answer

Arrange outpatient neurology referral in 6 weeks

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Cauda equina syndrome

A 54-year-old man with chronic low back pain and new right foot drop, saddle anaesthesia and urinary retention presents to a rural emergency department. What is the most appropriate immediate action?