Unsteady Gait Overview
Another name for Unsteady Gait is Difficulty Walking.
What is difficulty walking?
A person with difficulty walking may have mild limping, or may be unable to stand. Difficulty walking may be caused by an abnormality in the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, inner ear, or bones, joints, and muscles. Other causes for difficulty walking include drug or alcohol intoxication and head injury. 
What are the symptoms of difficulty walking?
Additional symptoms that occur with difficulty walking due to stroke include arm or leg weakness or numbness, facial weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, and changes in vision.
How does the doctor treat difficulty walking?
The treatment for difficulty walking depends on the underlying cause. Treatment for difficulty walking may include physical therapy and the use of a walker, crutches, or cane.
Continue to Unsteady Gait Symptoms
Last Updated: Aug 25, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
Copyright DSHI Systems, Inc. Powered by: FreeMD - Your Virtual Doctor
- Iezzoni LI. A 44-year-old woman with difficulty walking. JAMA. 2000 Nov 22-29;284(20):2632-9. [11086372]
- Jylha M, Guralnik JM, Balfour J, Fried LP. Walking difficulty, walking speed, and age as predictors of self-rated health: the women's health and aging study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2001 Oct;56(10):M609-17. [11584033]
- Villaverde V, De Inocencio J, Merino R, Garcia-Consuegra J. Difficulty walking. A presentation of idiopathic juvenile osteoporosis. J Rheumatol. 1998 Jan;25(1):173-6. [9458225]