AKT-5460

AKT-5460

A 27-year-old woman with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, back pain, anxiety and depression presents to your clinic as an emergency appointment. She has been booking emergency appointments with the clinic almost every week with mild and vague generalised symptoms. A few weeks ago, you diagnosed her with self-limiting gastroenteritis.

Today, she complains of weakness in both her legs that has been worsening and moving up her legs from her feet over the last few days. She also reports some shooting pains and increased back pain. However, she denies any new incontinence or saddle anaesthesia.

Upon examination, her observations are normal, and she has good power in her upper limbs. However, there appears to be some numbness in both hands. She also has reduced sensation and power in both lower legs symmetrically up to just below her knees. Additionally, she has absent plantar reflexes and reduced ankle reflexes.

What is your plan for managing this patient?