Psychogenic Gait Disorder Complicating Recovery After Concussion: A Case Series.
Pediatr Neurol 2020;
111:1-3. [PMID:
32951647 DOI:
10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2020.05.005]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Gait impairment is common after concussion. "Dizziness" is associated with prolonged recovery after concussion. Most often each of these symptoms is considered to be of vestibular origin. However, whether or not there are psychological etiologies of gait instability that complicate concussion recovery has been less fully explored.
METHODS
A chart review was performed of all patients seen between 2017 and 2019 in a weekly pediatric traumatic brain injury clinic.
RESULTS
Of eighty-four patients with traumatic brain injury, five were found to have developed a classic psychogenic gait. All were adolescents at the time of diagnosis. Recognition of this complication led to modification/initiation of physical therapy and/or mental health intervention and eventual resolution for all patients.
CONCLUSION
Although uncommon, psychogenic gait disorders may complicate concussion recovery in adolescents likely at a higher rate than their occurrence in the general population. This association has not been previously reported. Accurate diagnosis of psychogenic gait likely improves outcomes in this subset of patients with concussion.
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