If there is any sign of uncontrollable and unexplained gait abnormalities, call your health care provider.

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Text Continues Below

---

Medical history questions documenting the problems with walking in detail may include:

• Time pattern
  • When did this problem with walking begin?
  • Did it occur suddenly or gradually?
  • Has it become worse over time?
• Quality (type of gait disturbance)
  • Scissors gait (flexed hips and knees, legs cross each other)
  • Steppage gait (foot drop, toes scrape ground)
  • Spastic gait (stiff, foot-dragging walk)
  • Propulsive gait (stooped, rigid posture, with head, neck bent forward)
• Other symptoms
  • Is there pain?
  • If there is pain, is it in the muscles, joints, spine, or other location?
  • Is there a fever?
  • Is there testicular pain?
  • Does there appear to be muscle atrophy (wasting)?
  • Is there any paralysis?
  • Are there any muscle spasms?
  • Are there joint deformities?
  • Has there been a recent infection?
• Medications
  • What medications are being taken?
• Injury history
  • Have there been any recent or past leg injuries?
  • If there was a leg injury, what type? Was it a broken bone, dislocation, or burn?
  • Has the person had any head injuries, especially one that resulted in a coma?
  • Has the person had any spinal injuries or nerve injuries?
• Illness history
  • Are there any known blood vessel problems?
  • Are there any known illnesses such as polio, meningitis, myositis, tumors, or stroke?
  • Have there been any recent infections, including abscesses?
  • Does the person have hemophilia?
  • Has the person been exposed to carbon monoxide?
• Treatments
  • Have there been any recent immunizations?
  • Has there been a recent surgery?
  • Has there been any chemotherapy or radiation therapy?
• Self and family history
  • Are there any known birth defects, such as spina bifida, myelomeningocele, or hip dysplasia?
  • Is there a history of cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy?
  • Has anyone in the family had multiple sclerosis?
  • Has the affected person had any growth abnormalities?
  • Are the legs different lengths?
  • Is there a known problem with scoliosis?