Chapter 6 - THE NEUROLOGIST'S VERDICT
The emergency room staff moved with rapid, sterile efficiency once I described the symptoms: progressive lower limb weakness, bilateral foot drop, complete loss of sensation in both soles, and severe lumbar pain radiating down the sciatic nerve. Within two hours, I had been moved to a private observation bay, where an attending neurologist named Dr. Sterling walked in carrying a heavy metal reflex hammer and a diagnostic chart, accompanied by a very apologetic-looking Marco.
Dr. Sterling performed a series of neurological checks, dragging a pin across the top of my feet and testing my knee and ankle reflexes, which were completely absent on both sides. He then looked up over his wire-rimmed glasses, fixing his gaze squarely on Marco before turning to me. “Mrs. Santos, your reflexes indicate severe, acute nerve compression in the lower spine,” Dr. Sterling stated firmly. “We are going to order an emergency MRI of the lumbar spine right now. If what I suspect is happening is correct, you are facing a surgical emergency.” Marco turned pale, stammering, “Surgical? But she just had a baby two weeks ago! Isn't this just sciatica?” Dr. Sterling’s expression hardened. “No, Mr. Santos. Sci sciatica doesn't cause bilateral paralysis and loss of bowel control warnings. Your wife’s spinal cord is choking.”
