Which gait is seen in cerebellar disease?

• A. Steppage gait
• B. Parkinsonian gait
• C. Cerebellar ataxia
• D. Sensory ataxia

Answer: (C)

Disruption of coordination and timing from cerebellar dysfunction leads to an ataxic gait. You’ll notice a wide-based stance, irregular and staggering steps, and veering as the person walks, with difficulty keeping a straight line and trouble with precise foot placement. Truncal instability and trouble with tandem walking are common, reflecting the cerebellum’s role in coordinating both limb and trunk movements. Visual input may help somewhat but does not fully normalize the gait, distinguishing it from purely sensory problems.

Steppage gait arises from weakness of dorsiflexors causing foot drop, producing high steps to clear the foot. Parkinsonian gait features a slow, shuffling walk with reduced arm swing and a stooped posture. Sensory ataxia, due to loss of proprioception, also causes a wide-based gait but is characterized by reliance on vision and greater instability when vision is removed.