There is no trouble in speaking, chewing, or
swallowing. There is no pain or rigidity in the neck muscles.
Examination of the pharynx reveals no disease of the bones. Under
specific treatment the patient improved."
Astasia-abasia was named by Blocq, who collected 11 cases.
According to Knapp, four cases have been reported in America. The
disease consists in an inability to stand erect or walk normally,
although there is no impairment of sensation, of muscular
strength, or of the coordination of other muscles in walking than
the lower extremities. In attempting to walk the legs become
spasmodic; there are rapid flexions and extensions of the legs on
the thighs, and of the thighs on the pelvis. The steps are short,
and the feet drag; the body may make great oscillations if the
patient stands, walks, or sits, and the head and arms make
rhythmical movements; walking may become impossible, the patient
appearing to leap up on one foot and then up on the other, the
body and head oscillating as he advances; he may be able to walk
cross-legged, or by raising the legs high; or to walk on his
hands and feet; he may be able to walk at certain times and not
at others; or to hop with both feet together; he may succeed with
great strides and with the arms extended; or finally he may be
able to use his legs perfectly if suspended (Gray).
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