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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffFoot drop is usually diagnosed during a physical exam. Be prepared to describe how the problem began, as well as any other signs or symptoms you're experiencing. In some cases, additional testing is recommended:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of certain parts of the body.
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. These tests measure electrical activity in the muscles and nerves.
References
- Stewart JD. Foot drop: Where, why and what to do? Practical Neurology. 2008;8:158.
- Tural S, et al. Foot drop: The first sign of an intracranial tumor? Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. 2007;14:490.
- Ropper AH, et al. Disorders of stance and gait. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams & Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3630849. Accessed Sept. 21, 2009.
- NINDS foot drop information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/foot_drop/foot_drop.htm. Accessed Sept. 21, 2009.
- Sackley C, et al. Rehabilitation interventions for foot drop in neuromuscular disease (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009:CD003908.
