The severity of an ataxic gait can be graded based on its clinical features.
Parameters:
(1) gait difficulties
(2) use of walking aid or someone's arm
(3) use of a wheelchair
Gait Problems |
Need for a Walking Aid |
Wheelchair |
Stage |
none |
none |
none |
0 |
mild or intermittent |
none |
none |
1 |
moderate (loss of independent gait) |
permanent need (constant) |
none to occasional |
2 |
severe |
NA |
permanent need (confined) |
3 |
where:
• With a few modifications this could be changed to a 5-level staging system that would match the ECOG/WHO/Zubrod scale. The obvious place would be between Stages 1 and 2, for intermittent use of a walking aid.
Purpose: To stage the clinical severity of a patient's ataxia.
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
Objective: severity, prognosis, stage, disability and performance
ICD-10: G11, G60.2, R26.0, R27.0,