Rs Neurology

Unsteady gait refers to instability while walking and a lack of proper balance. An unsteady gait can be mild and unnoticeable or can be more severe leading to difficulty in walking. An unsteady gait might be temporary and due to an injury or infection, or it could be a sign of something more serious. This symptom may be caused by a problem in the legs or feet (such as with the bones, joints or soft tissue), for example, knee osteoarthritis. However, it also could be due to issues in the nervous system, which control the muscles necessary for walking.

Below are some neurological conditions which may be the cause of such a symptom:

Stroke/TIA (Transient ischemic attack) occurs when there is a blockage to the blood flowing into the brain. A TIA can be seen as a mini-stroke as symptoms last for a short amount of time, however, it is just as serious a condition. You may face problems with balance and vision during a stroke and may experience weakness in your legs causing it to be difficult to walk properly.

Brain tumour is a mass located in the brain. As the tumour grows, it exerts pressure on surrounding tissue, affecting the function of the surrounding tissue and nerves. Because of this, signs like nausea, vomiting, and difficulty balancing/walking occur.

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the peripheral nerves are deteriorating and damaged. Because of this, it affects your ability to feel and sense your feet it can make it much harder to keep your balance and have a steady gait.

Cervical myelopathy is a condition involving the compression of the cervical spinal cord (near the neck area). The nerves in your cervical spine is affected and this causes you to feel symptoms elsewhere, besides your neck. It can cause balance issues and an unsteady gait along with other symptoms like sharp shooting neck pain, weakness, numbness, and clumsiness.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) occurs when the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is blocked in some way, causing a build-up of CSF in the brain’s ventricles and cavities. This in turn puts pressure on the brain. It causes balance issues, progressive mental impairment, and impaired bladder control.

Neurodegenerative conditions – can cause long term unsteadiness which could be progressive in nature.

If you are experiencing difficulty walking or an unsteady gait it would be a good idea to visit a doctor, especially if there are no direct leg injuries or infections that you and your doctor are already aware of.