Gait and postural disorders in parkinsonism: a clinical approach

J Neurol. 2020 Nov;267(11):3169-3176. doi: 10.1007/s00415-019-09382-1. Epub 2019 May 22.

Abstract

Disturbances of balance, gait and posture are a hallmark of parkinsonian syndromes. Recognition of these axial features can provide important and often early clues to the nature of the underlying disorder, and, therefore, help to disentangle Parkinson's disease from vascular parkinsonism and various forms of atypical parkinsonism, including multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal syndrome. Careful assessment of axial features is also essential for initiating appropriate treatment strategies and for documenting the outcome of such interventions. In this article, we provide an overview of balance, gait and postural impairment in parkinsonian disorders, focusing on differential diagnostic aspects.

Keywords: Axial disorders; Corticobasal syndrome; Multiple system atrophy; Progressive supranuclear palsy; Vascular parkinsonism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gait
  • Humans
  • Multiple System Atrophy* / complications
  • Multiple System Atrophy* / diagnosis
  • Parkinson Disease*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders* / complications
  • Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive* / complications