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Gait

Authoring team

Gait is the manner of walking; important points in its examination include:

  • good visibility of the legs
  • ease of rising to feet without support, with the feet together or with the eyes closed
  • ask the patient to walk normally for about 5 metres, turn round and walk back
  • ask the patient to walk heel-to-toe - testing for cerebellar disease
  • ask the patient to stand with the feet together
    • with eyes open - testing cerebellar and posterior column function
    • with eyes closed - testing posterior column function
  • on toes alone - impossible with S1 lesions
  • on heels alone - impossible if L4 / L5 lesion
  • any abnormality should be carefully described, including requirements of stick, frame or other support

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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