Accompanying symptoms of a gait disorder

Gait disorders are often accompanied by other symptoms. In the case of an orthopedic cause of a gait disorder such as a herniated disc or spinal canal stenosis, pain often plays a major role. Feelings of numbness or paresthesia (tingling paresthesias) as well as muscle paralysis are also conceivable.

This is also the case with neurological clinical pictures. If the gait disorder occurs in patients with multiple sclerosis, sensory disturbances and muscle paralysis are common. This also applies to gait disorders in the context of a stroke.

For patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremor (muscle trembling) is a typical accompanying symptom. Patients who suffer from a gait disorder due to a chronic increase in intracranial pressure, the accompanying symptoms are dementia (usually reversible) and urinary incontinence. If an inner ear disease is responsible for the gait disorder, it is usually associated with a hearing loss.

In summary, it can be said that gait disorders are often accompanied by accompanying symptoms. These can provide a good indication of the cause of the gait disorder. In the case of an ataxic gait disorder, there is a disturbance in the sequence and coordination of muscle movements.

This is shown by a corresponding change in the gait pattern. Patients usually walk with their legs apart and appear very unsteady. To outsiders, this often looks like the gait of a drunk person.

The most common cause of an ataxic gait disorder is a disease of the cerebellum. The cerebellum has a central function when it comes to balance but also the planning of movement sequences. Therefore a proper cerebellum function is essential for a fluid gait pattern.

Tumors or circulatory disturbances in the cerebellum can be recognized by ataxic gait disorders. A pathological dilatation of the cerebrospinal fluid (hydrocephalus) can also lead to an atactic gait disorder. This is similar to the gait pattern of a Parkinson’s patient.

The affected person only takes small steps. If the disease is more pronounced, walking without support may hardly be possible. A phobic gait disorder is characterized by an unfounded, exaggerated fear of walking.That is why phobias are considered to be anxiety disorders.

Affected persons try to avoid the anxiety-triggering situation. Often the mere thought of it is enough to trigger fear. The affected persons therefore move only very hesitantly. Some run like on ice. The chronic fear reaction can lead to secondary muscle tension, which can then lead to dizziness and balance problems, especially if it occurs in the area of the cervical spine.