Health & Nutrition Health and Nutrition - February 2018.edcoan.ir | Page 34

rcises, e x e e c n Resista g, and in in a r t e balanc Physical . lp e h n a walking c es aimed in t u o r y therap g and in n e h t g n at stre pecific s g in n e ctive. e length f f e n e t f are o muscles walker a r o e n a Using a c vent falls. pre can help 34 February 2018 HEALTH & NUTRITION gait can be a sign of a chronic vitamin B 12 deficiency, which can lead to a degeneration of the nerves in the spinal cord and brain. Early detection is crucial: By the time a B 12 deficiency gives rise to difficulty walking, the nerve damage may be irreversible. u Peripheral neuropathy. Damage to sensory nerves in the feet can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet and result in an inability to walk properly. Diabetes is a common cause, but many other medical conditions that are amenable to treatment can also cause neuropathy. u Other neurologic disorders. Many brain and nervous system disorders can trigger a wide range of gait changes, including unsteadiness; slow, small steps; lack of coordination; feeling as if your feet are stuck to the ground; or difficulty initiating leg movement. Brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease are examples of the many neurologic disorders that can cause gait disturbances. Strokes are a common cause of gait disorder. The term ‘silent strokes’ refers to the fact that a single stroke might not have any symptoms, but multiple small strokes can additively lead to gait problems. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the fluid-containing sacs of the brain due to an inability of the fluid to flow normally. Hallmark symptoms include