From the Guidelines
Reeling gait is a type of abnormal walking pattern characterized by unsteady, staggering movements similar to those of an intoxicated person, typically involving wide-based steps, poor balance, and difficulty maintaining a straight path while walking, and is most commonly associated with cerebellar dysfunction, as noted in a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1. This gait abnormality is often seen in patients with cerebellar lesions, multiple sclerosis, alcohol intoxication, certain medications, vitamin B12 deficiency, and cerebellar tumors. Patients with reeling gait often appear to be stumbling or about to fall, and they may need to keep their feet widely separated to maintain stability. Some key characteristics of reeling gait include:
- Unsteady, staggering movements
- Wide-based steps
- Poor balance
- Difficulty maintaining a straight path while walking
- Associated with cerebellar dysfunction Common causes of reeling gait include:
- Cerebellar lesions
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alcohol intoxication
- Certain medications
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Cerebellar tumors When observed clinically, reeling gait is an important neurological sign that warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause, as suggested by guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation and recovery 1. Treatment focuses on addressing the primary condition causing the cerebellar dysfunction, along with physical therapy to improve balance and coordination, and may involve the use of adaptive equipment, such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, to enhance mobility and reduce the risk of falls, as recommended in guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation and recovery 1. Patients experiencing this symptom should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider, as it may indicate a serious neurological condition requiring intervention, and a thorough clinical evaluation, including a careful neurological examination, is necessary to determine the underlying cause of reeling gait, as noted in a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1.
From the Research
Definition of Reeling Gait
Reeling gait is not explicitly defined in the provided studies. However, it can be inferred that reeling gait may be related to ataxic gait, which is characterized by a lack of coordination and balance during walking.
Characteristics of Ataxic Gait
- Ataxic gait is a movement disorder that affects the ability to walk safely and independently 2
- It is characterized by a lack of coordination and balance during walking, resulting from damage to the cerebellum 2, 3
- Ataxic gait can be caused by various factors, including cerebellar lesions, vestibular impairments, and other neurological disorders 2, 3
Rehabilitation of Ataxic Gait
- Physiotherapy is the main treatment for ataxic gait, and it aims to improve balance, coordination, and mobility 3
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based treatment program that can help improve vertigo, balance, and activities of daily living 4
- Exercise-based vestibular rehabilitation has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms of dizziness and balance in adult patients with chronic dizziness 5