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What Causes Difficulty In Standing When Diagnosed With Spina Bifida?

Posted on Mon, 13 Nov 2017

Question: My 21 yr, old grandson was born with spina bifida. He has some nerve damage and areas of lower body that he cannot feel. But, what concerns him the most, is at 6'3 he has found that he is having a problem standing up straight...something to do with his tendons in his lower legs. What kind of doctor could help him with this, do you think? He walks kind of on the balls of his feet. If he tries to stand up completely straight with feet flat on the floor he tends to lean forward.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Neurologist and physiatrist

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query carefully and understand your concerns.

He needs to see a neurologist and a physiatrist (doctor of physical medicine). He needs to be neurologically evaluated. Based on that evaluation he needs to undergo intensive physical therapy in order to improve the situation.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee