College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is a common gait observation in patients with cerebellar ataxia?

1. Knees drawn together to swing the leg forward

2. Drop foot with knee lifted higher than normal

3. Accentuated side-to-side movement causing wobbling

4. Poor balance, a lurch or stagger and exaggerated movements

The correct answer is: Poor balance, a lurch or stagger and exaggerated movements

In patients with cerebellar ataxia, a common gait observation is characterized by poor balance, a lurch or stagger, and exaggerated movements. Cerebellar ataxia disrupts the coordination of voluntary movements, leading to a lack of muscle control during movement. This often results in an unsteady gait, where individuals may sway or veer to one side, as they have difficulty maintaining a straight path. The staggering movement often appears exaggerated because the person's body attempts to compensate for their imbalance. Additionally, the poor balance results from cerebellar dysfunction, which is critical for posture and equilibrium. The movements may also seem larger or more pronounced, a phenomenon known as dysmetria, where individuals may overshoot or undershoot their intended movement targets. Collectively, these characteristics allow health professionals to observe and identify cerebellar ataxia in patients based on their gait patterns.