A 23-year-old male presents with a history of sudden severe back pain and loss of motor function below the waist after a motor vehicle accident. He also reports loss of bladder control. On examination, he has decreased sensation below the umbilicus. What are potential causes and next steps?
This patient's presentation is suggestive of a spinal cord injury, likely a traumatic fracture or dislocation. The loss of motor function and bladder control along with the sensory loss suggest a complete cord injury. This is a medical emergency. The immediate next steps would involve stabilizing the patient's spine to prevent further injury, then proceeding with imaging, likely a CT scan, to visualize the extent of the damage.