Via practica 3/2019

Gait disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis

Bipedal gait represents dynamic stereotype regulated by complex interplay among afferent and efferent structures of nervous system and depends upon integrity of efferent motor tracts. In multiple sclerosis characterized by multifocal demyelinating and axonal lesions of central nervous system their integrity is disturbed in early stages of the disease. Disturbance of gait can be present even in patients with low degree of disability and is present in about 75 % of multiple sclerosis patients in the course of the disease. It can cause increased frequency of falls and injuries of these patients what increases their morbidity and financial load of their treatment. That is why the gait disturbance must be identified early and treated adequately. The presented article gives an overview of characteristics, diagnosis and treatment possibilities of gait disturbances in multiple sclerosis patients.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, gait disorders, diagnostics and treatment of gait disorders