Which sign is characterized by a broad base of support and irregular stepping patterns during gait?

• A. Broad base of support and irregular stepping patterns during gait
• B. Decrease muscle tone during rest
• C. Rhythmic eye movements during lateral gaze
• D. Inability to perform rapid alternating movements

Answer: (A)

Gait that shows a broad base of support with irregular stepping patterns is a classic sign of cerebellar ataxia. The cerebellum coordinates balance and the timing of movements; when it’s not functioning properly, a person widens their stance to maintain stability and their steps become uneven and unsteady as they try to compensate for impaired coordination. This stands in contrast to other signs: decreased muscle tone at rest points to hypotonia rather than a gait pattern issue, rhythmic eye movements during lateral gaze suggests an ocular motor abnormality like nystagmus, and difficulty with rapid alternating movements reflects dysdiadochokinesia rather than the characteristic gait pattern of ataxia.