Hemiplegic Gait Disorders

Front

What characterizes a hemiparetic gait disorder?

Back

A unilateral walking pattern characterized by weakness, paralysis, circumduction, foot drop, and reduced arm swing.

Front

What is circumductory gait?

Back

A typical hemiparetic gait where the patient hikes the hip and circumducts the leg for foot clearance, with flat foot landing.

Front

What are common causes of hemiparesis in adults?

Back

Stroke, traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and brain infections like encephalitis.

Front

What is the Cinderella effect in children?

Back

A term coined by Professor Robert Goodman in 1990, referring to childhood hemiplegia affecting up to one child in 1000.

Front

What are the main effects of hemiparesis on gait?

Back

Muscle weakness, spasticity, and altered proprioception leading to imbalance and asymmetrical movements.

Front

What is the pathophysiology of hemiparesis?

Back

It mainly affects the motor cortex and pyramidal tract, often due to strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or other brain conditions.

Front

What is Type 1 Hemiplegia?

Back

Characterized by 'drop foot' due to inability to control ankle dorsiflexion during the swing phase, with no calf contracture.

Front

What is Type 2 Hemiplegia?

Back

Type 1 plus triceps surae contracture, with equinus noted in the stance phase due to spasticity and contracture of gastroc-soleus muscles.

Front

What is Type 3 Hemiplegia?

Back

Characterized by gastroc-soleus spasticity or contracture, impaired ankle dorsiflexion in swing, and a flexed, 'stiff' knee gait.

Front

What is Type 4 Hemiplegia?

Back

Marked proximal involvement with equinus, flexed stiff knee, flexed hip, and anterior pelvic tilt, similar to spastic diplegia but unilateral.