Festinating Gait – PD — SCE Neurology MCQ

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EasyMovement DisordersFestinating Gait – PDSCE Neurology

A 65-year-old man with Parkinson's disease develops a specific gait pattern: he takes progressively smaller and faster steps, as if chasing his own centre of gravity. He has difficulty stopping once he starts walking. What is this gait abnormality called?

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Correct answer: A — Festinating gait (festination)

Festination is a characteristic PD gait pattern where steps become progressively smaller and faster, as if the patient is being pulled forward by their centre of gravity and cannot stop. It reflects the combination of bradykinesia (reduced step amplitude) and impaired postural control. Festination can lead to falls and is often associated with freezing of gait (though they are distinct phenomena). A: Freezing is an inability to initiate or continue stepping. C: Ataxic gait is wide-based and uncoordinated. D: Steppage gait is due to foot drop. E: Antalgic gait is pain-related.

Reference: NICE NG71; Clinical Neurology