Walking (Gait) Abnormalities | Testing and Diagnosis
How does a doctor diagnose gait abnormality?
Your child's doctor will carefully observe your child as he or she walks or runs.
Other diagnostic procedures may include:
• X-rays – A diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy
beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio
frequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. This test is done
to rule out any associated abnormalities of the spinal cord and nerves
• Computerized Tomography Scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) – A diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a
combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called "slices"), both
horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones,
muscles, fat and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays