Psychogenic Gait Disorder Complicating Recovery After Concussion: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Psychology

Background:

• Gait impairment and dizziness are common after concussion, often attributed to vestibular issues.
• Psychological causes of gait instability complicating concussion recovery are less explored.
• Adolescent concussion recovery can be impacted by factors beyond vestibular dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and impact of psychogenic gait disorders in adolescents following concussion.
• To explore potential psychological etiologies of gait instability in pediatric traumatic brain injury patients.
• To determine if recognizing psychogenic gait improves concussion recovery outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted.
• Patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury between 2017 and 2019 were analyzed.
• The study focused on a weekly pediatric traumatic brain injury clinic population.

Main Results:

• Five out of eighty-four pediatric traumatic brain injury patients developed a classic psychogenic gait.
• All affected patients were adolescents at the time of diagnosis.
• Intervention involving physical therapy and/or mental health support led to resolution in all cases.

Conclusions:

• Psychogenic gait disorders, while uncommon, may affect adolescent concussion recovery at a higher rate than previously reported.
• Accurate diagnosis of psychogenic gait is essential for improving outcomes in this patient subset.
• This association highlights the need to consider psychological factors in concussion management.