Publication:

Clinical profile of neurological gait ataxia: a hospital based study

Background Gait disorders are major causes of functional impairment and morbidity especially in the elderly. Most gait disorders in older person are multifactorial, including neurological and non -neurological components. The aim of the study was to determine different neurological causes of gait disorders in elderly as well as in young adults.

Methods A total of 155 patients with gait ataxia were included and studied for demographic profile, clinical features, mode of presentation and aetiology of neurological gait ataxia.

Results Of the 155 patients enrolled in the study for gait disability, the most common cause of gait disability was cerebrovascular accidents 48 (31%) followed by lower motor neuron (LMN) paraparesis20 (12.9%), compressive myelopathy 17 (11%) and infectious causes were reported in 13 (8.4%) patients. Other causes were non-compressive myelopathy 8 (5.2%), Parkinsonism 8 (5.2%), degenerative diseases 6 (3.9%), diabetic amyotrophy 5 (3.2%), sensory neuropathy, hydrocephalus, myopathy and space occupying lesions in 4 (2.6%) patients each.

Conclusions The two most common causes of gait instability in Sub-Himalayan region are cerebrovascular accidents and LMN paraparesis. The LMN parapersis is associated with significant falls.