Neurological walking disorders, also known as gait abnormalities, are a wide range of walking problems caused by issues within the nervous system.
There are many types of disorder that can have an impact on a person’s mobility. These include:
- Neurological, musculoskeletal and systemic conditions.
- Cognitive impairments.
- Neurodegenerative diseases.
Abnormal gait conditions are generally classified as the following :
Hemiplegic
Using the example of someone who has suffered a stroke or CVA (cerebrovascular accident) This usually presents with the person walking with a stiff leg on the affected side. The foot is often pointed down and twisted inwards. The leg is often swung out and around to clear the toes, known as circumducting.
Spastic diplegic
People with cerebral palsy will often walk with an abnormally narrow base of support. There is often leg stiffness, with the legs appearing to be rigid and bouncy with a tendency to scuff the feet. Circumduction is again evident and the knee will often snap back into hyperextension.
Myopathic
This can be referred to as ‘waddling’ gait. Often seen in people with muscular dystrophy.
Parkinsonian
Characterised by small, shuffling steps, slow movement and a stooped posture.
Neuropathic
Sometimes called steppage gait. Oten affecting people with severe untreated Diabetes Mellitus. Peripheral neuropathic pain sufferers. People with L5 radiculopathy. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Charcot-Marie -Tooth disease.
The affected foot has flaccid paralysis and the person must lift their leg much higher than usual to clear their toes. The foot will often ‘slap’ down to the floor.
Choreiform
Seen in people affected by Huntington’s disease and Sydenham’s chorea along with other forms of athetosis and dystonia. The patient will display irregular, jerky, involuntary movement in all their extremitiesAtaxic
Ataxia is a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination. Gait is characterized by irregular steps with a wide base of support and the person will often appear to be staggering.Sensory
Often associated with severe, uncontrolled Diabetes. Lack of sensory perception in the foot causes the person to use a heavy, stomping gait.How we can help
The physiotherapists and orthotists at Let’s Go Physio are experienced in treating patients with neurological conditions and our friendly and caring approach means that you can be confident you are receiving treatment of the highest quality.
For more information about help with Neurological walking disorders at Let’s Go Physio or to book an
assessment please call us today on 01282 222720 or get in touch here.