Gait Disturbances

Excerpt

Gait disturbances are described as any deviations from normal walking or gait. Numerous etiologies cause these disturbances. Due to their different clinical presentations, a high index of suspicion is required. The etiology can be determined through the clinical presentation and diagnostic testing. Gait problems can be subdivided into episodic and chronic disturbances. Episodic disturbances include those abnormalities that occur suddenly, which the patient has not adapted to, and are a frequent cause of complications like unexpected falls. Examples of episodic disturbances include freezing gait, festinating gait, and disequilibrium. Most other gait disturbances belong to the chronic category. Continuous or chronic gait disturbances are those the patient has adapted to due to the chronicity of the neurological dysfunction.

Neurological causes are more common than non-neurological causes. Sensory ataxia caused by polyneuropathy, parkinsonism, subcortical vascular encephalopathy, and dementia are among the most common neurological causes. Hip and knee osteoarthritis, causing pain and limited motion, are common non-neurological causes of gait disorders. Gait disturbances have a tremendous impact on patients, especially on the quality of life, morbidity, and mortality.