Question

A 40-year-old man presents with severe lower back pain radiating down both legs. He reports new onset numbness in the perianal area and difficulty initiating urination. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Emergency MRI Lumbar Spine (immediately/same day)

Answer

Urgent CT Lumbar Spine

Answer

Urgent MRI Lumbar Spine (within 24 hours)

Answer

Lumbosacral X-rays

Answer

Nerve conduction studies

Practice question

A 40-year-old man presents with severe lower back pain radiating down both legs. He reports new onset numbness in the perianal area and difficulty initiating urination. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?