A 40-year-old male with a history of multiple sclerosis (MS) presents with constipation and difficulty urinating. What are the potential causes, and what are the next steps?
This patient's symptoms can be related to his underlying multiple sclerosis. MS can lead to bowel and bladder dysfunction due to damage to the nerves that control these functions. Other potential causes include medication side effects, or a separate urologic or gastrointestinal condition. The next steps would include a review of his current medications, potentially adjusting his MS treatment, and if necessary, a referral to a gastroenterologist or urologist for further workup.