Which sign is commonly associated with a broad base of support during gait?

• A. Tremor
• B. Hypotonia
• C. Gait ataxia
• D. Nystagmus

Answer: (C)

A broad-based stance while walking reflects ataxia, a problem with coordination and balance. When the cerebellum or proprioceptive systems aren’t coordinating movements smoothly, the body adopts a wider base of support to help stay upright, producing an unsteady, staggered gait often described as wide-based or "drunken." Tremor is rhythmic movement and can appear with several disorders but doesn’t explain a wide base. Hypotonia causes limpness from low muscle tone, which can affect gait but isn’t defined by a widened base. Nystagmus is involuntary eye movement and, while it can accompany cerebellar disease, it doesn’t account for the gait pattern itself. So the sign most associated with a broad base of support during gait is gait ataxia.