Question

A 32-year-old man presents with lower back pain and bilateral sciatica, saddle anaesthesia and new onset urinary retention. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Urgent MRI spine and emergency spinal surgical referral

Answer

Urgent outpatient MRI within 2 weeks

Answer

Immediate high-dose oral steroids only

Answer

Physiotherapy and simple analgesia

Answer

Arrange neurology clinic review in 6 weeks

Practice question

A 32-year-old man presents with lower back pain and bilateral sciatica, saddle anaesthesia and new onset urinary retention. What is the most appropriate next step in management?