🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 62-year-old male with metastatic prostate cancer presents with progressive lower extremity weakness, numbness, and new urinary retention over 24 hours. He denies trauma. What is the most critical immediate diagnostic and therapeutic intervention?

A Lumbar puncture to rule out infectious myelitis.
B High-dose intravenous corticosteroids followed by urgent MRI of the spine.
C Electromyography and nerve conduction studies.
D Urgent surgical consultation for decompressive laminectomy.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

This presentation is classic for malignant spinal cord compression. High-dose corticosteroids should be administered immediately to reduce edema and preserve neurological function, followed by urgent MRI of the spine to localize the lesion and guide further management.

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