7th June 2021

A 32-year-old man presents to A&E with sudden onset neck pain and bilateral leg weakness

A 32-year-old man presents to A&E with sudden onset neck pain and bilateral leg weakness – this started around an hour ago, and he is completely unable to stand up. MRI spine is consistent with anterior spinal cord syndrome. The patient becomes hypoxia, and a blood gas shows a PaO₂ of 7.0 kPa and a PaCO₂ of 8.2 kPa. 

What intervention is indicated?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.