Which finding would indicate possible spinal cord compression requiring urgent referral?

Which finding would indicate possible spinal cord compression requiring urgent referral?

• A. Severe back pain with no neurological signs
• B. Progressive bilateral weakness or numbness
• C. Improved gait with rest
• D. Normal reflexes

Answer: (B)

Spinal cord compression presents as a progressive, bilateral neurological deficit that signals urgent need for imaging and referral. When weakness or numbness is spreading to both sides, it implies central involvement of the cord rather than a single nerve root, and the progression suggests a lesion or process compressing the cord that could worsen quickly. This is why the finding of progressive bilateral weakness or numbness is the red flag requiring urgent referral and prompt MRI evaluation. By contrast, severe back pain with no neurological signs, gait that improves with rest, or normal reflexes do not indicate acute cord compression.

Spinal cord compression presents as a progressive, bilateral neurological deficit that signals urgent need for imaging and referral. When weakness or numbness is spreading to both sides, it implies central involvement of the cord rather than a single nerve root, and the progression suggests a lesion or process compressing the cord that could worsen quickly. This is why the finding of progressive bilateral weakness or numbness is the red flag requiring urgent referral and prompt MRI evaluation. By contrast, severe back pain with no neurological signs, gait that improves with rest, or normal reflexes do not indicate acute cord compression.