sensory ataxia

Gait disturbance resulting from loss of sensation in the lower extremities. Etiology: - abnormalities in the 1) peripheral nerves 2) dorsal roots 3) dorsal columns of the spinal cord 4) medial lemnisci Clinical manifestations: 1) loss of joint position sense 2) loss of vibration sense 3) loss of light touch sensation 4) positive Rhomberg's sign 5) wide-based gait 6) legs often lifted higher than necessary at hips 7) legs flug forward & outward in abrupt motions 8) steps vary in length 9) feet often 'slap' on floor

References

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed. Companion Handbook, Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1995, pg 128