Neurológia pre prax 4/2013

Gait impairment in multiple sclerosis patient

Multiple sclerosis may lead to various functional impairment. Typical symptomes include decrease in muscle strength, increase in muscle tone, sensation impairment, balance problems and loss of coordination. All these symptoms can cause gait disorders. Abnormalities of gait that are present in almost 85–90% of patients with multiple sclerosis are present from early stages of the disease. This article discusses typical changes of gait in patients with multiple sclerosis and the methods of quantification.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, gait impairment, gait speed, spasticity, balance.