Gait Disorders: Medical History

The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of gait disorder.

Family history

  • Are there any people in your family with neurologic disorders?
  • Are there any hereditary diseases in your family?

Social anamnesis

Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • How long has the gait disorder been present? Has there been any change in intensity? Become more severe? Did it occur suddenly?*
  • When does the gait disturbance occur? Always? On a regular basis?
  • How far can you walk at a stretch?
  • Can you climb stairs?
  • Does the gait disorder get worse with your eyes closed?
  • How exactly can the gait disorder be described?
    • Limping
    • Uncoordinated
    • Small-step
    • Broad-based
  • Do you have pain when you walk? Where exactly is the pain then? Does the pain get better the longer they walk or do they need to take a break?
  • Have you ever fallen as part of the gait disorder?
  • Have you noticed other disorders such as dizziness, a tremor of the hands, cognitive disorders (memory disorders)* , incontinence (involuntary urination), etc.?

Vegetative anamnesis including nutritional anamnesis.

  • Has your appetite changed?
  • Have you lost body weight unintentionally?
  • Have you noticed any changes in bowel movements and/or urination?
  • Do you smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars, or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (neurological diseases, tumor diseases, injuries).
  • Operations
  • Allergies

Medication history

* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the doctor is required! (Data without guarantee)