A 47-year-old woman presents with severe lower back pain, bilateral leg weakness, saddle anaesthesia and urinary retention. What is the most appropria...

Question

A 47-year-old woman presents with severe lower back pain, bilateral leg weakness, saddle anaesthesia and urinary retention. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent MRI of the lumbosacral spine and neurosurgical referral

Answer

Prescribe oral opioids and arrange physiotherapy

Answer

Order plain lumbar spine X-rays and review in 1 week

Answer

Commence non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs only

Answer

Reassure that this is sciatica and will resolve

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Cauda equina syndrome

A 47-year-old woman presents with severe lower back pain, bilateral leg weakness, saddle anaesthesia and urinary retention. What is the most appropriate immediate management?