HomeAnswersNeurologyleukodystrophyWhy is my son losing the ability to walk?

My son is losing his ability to walk. Please help.

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Answered by

Dr. Ashok Kumar

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 17, 2016
Reviewed AtAugust 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My son is a month away from three years old. Approximately three months ago, he started to lose the ability to walk. He is not able to stand up by making a tripod position. His balance is extremely unstable, and his grip in his hands has diminished that he cannot hold a crayon. When he does walk, he skirts the furniture or refuses and says, ouch. I took him to his primary care doctor, and he ran a complete blood count (CBC) and a C reactive protein (CRP). Both came back normal, as well as x-rays on both ankles and knees. He asked to wait for a few weeks, monitor him, and return if it does not improve. After a few weeks, the doctor himself understood that it had gotten worse from just observing him in the clinic. He again ran another CBC, CRP, and creatine kinase myocardial band (CKMB). All those came back normal. We then got an electrocardiogram (EKG) and discovered borderline right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH). We have an appointment with a neurologist by next week. So, I wanted to head up on the things to ask for, possibilities, and directions on where we go from here. Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Ashok Kumar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concerns. I am sorry to inform you that things need to be taken care of as soon as possible. First of all, it is essential to know the diagnosis as it cannot be diagnosed in the first visit on most occasions. There is a possibility of leukodystrophy (an abnormal gene that affects the brain's white matter) due to some aberrant genes or metabolic abnormality as there is a regression of milestones. If there is a history of any illness in childhood in the family, it should be communicated to your doctor. In my view, he will run magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess his brain.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ashok Kumar
Dr. Ashok Kumar

Geriatrics

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