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gait apraxia
Inability to perform normal walking movements despite intact motor and sensory function.
Full Definition
A higher-order motor disorder characterized by difficulty initiating and executing normal walking patterns despite preserved strength, sensation, and coordination. Gait apraxia is often associated with frontal lobe dysfunction and presents as difficulty with gait initiation, short shuffling steps, wide-based stance, and turning difficulties. The condition is sometimes referred to as 'magnetic gait' due to the appearance that the feet are stuck to the floor.
Usage
Usage note: Associated with frontal lobe dysfunction. Distinguish from other gait disorders caused by motor weakness.
In Context
- "The patient's gait apraxia manifested as significant difficulty initiating walking movements." — Movement disorder evaluation
- "Frontal lobe pathology was suspected given the characteristic features of gait apraxia." — Neurological consultation
Also known as
magnetic gait
frontal gait disorder
Contrasted with
normal gait
Don't confuse with
parkinsonian gait
ataxic gait