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Festination is a gait disorder characterized by an acceleration and shortening of normal steps, commonly observed in Parkinson’s disease patients. It is caused by muscle hypertonicity and can interfere with daily activities. Treatment options include medication and physical therapy. Gait changes should be evaluated by a doctor to identify the cause.
Festination is an alteration of the gait pattern characterized by an acceleration and shortening of the normal steps. This phenomenon is most commonly observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease and is sometimes known as Parkinsonian gait in reference to this. Festination can be destructive to a patient and can interfere with the ability to work, exercise, and engage in daily activities. It is also an obvious sign of Parkinson’s disease that can attract unwanted attention.
This change in gait is the result of muscle hypertonicity, where there is too much tension in the muscles and as a result the patient has difficulty controlling them. The patient will have difficulty initiating muscle movements, such as those needed to begin walking, and it is also difficult to slow down and stop. In a patient with a partying gait pattern, the gait may take on a hopping or shuffling form and the patient has no control over it.
The term “festination” comes from a Latin word meaning “too fast,” an apt description of the way people seem to rush to a destination due to their accelerated paces. However, festination is a very inefficient gait and can be tiring for the patient. The short jerky steps can also make the patient’s underlying neurological condition very apparent, along with the wobbly movements seen in many people with Parkinson’s, and this may be undesirable for the patient.
Treating the medical problem that is causing the hypertonicity and gait changes can help with a fegging gait pattern. While Parkinson’s disease and many other causes of hypertonicity that lead to festination cannot be cured, there are medications that can be taken to treat specific symptoms and make the patient more physically comfortable. These treatment options can be discussed with a doctor. Physical therapy can also be beneficial for the patient. In addition to helping patients manage physical symptoms, physical therapy can help patients prepare for worsening symptoms.
If someone develops a change in gait quickly and the cause is not known, it is advisable to see a doctor. Gait changes can be a sign of neurological disorders, as well as muscle and joint injuries. A doctor can conduct a patient interview, examine the patient, and recommend some medical tests to learn more about what is happening inside the body. The quicker a cause is identified and treated, the better the prognosis for the patient.
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