Abnormal Gait Treatment in India

Sarah Singh, a 42-year-old high school...

Sarah Singh, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, first noticed a slight dragging of her right foot about eight months ago. Initially attributing it to fatigue, the issue progressed to an unsteady, shuffling gait and occasional tripping. Her husband noticed she was no longer swinging her right arm when walking. A primary care physician referred her to a neurologist, Dr. Chen, who observed the asymmetric, parkinsonian gait. Dr. Chen recommended a comprehensive neurological workup, including a DaTscan, to differentiate between Parkinson's disease and other causes. The procedure itself was straightforward, an injection of a radioactive tracer followed by a brain scan hours later, but the wait for results was agonizing. The scan confirmed reduced dopamine transporter binding, leading to a diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson's. Post-diagnosis, Sarah began a tailored regimen of medication and physical therapy. While the diagnosis was devastating, having a name for her struggle ended a long period of terrifying uncertainty. Her emotional journey shifted from fear of the unknown to a determined focus on management. She has since joined a support group, adapted her teaching style, and finds new purpose in advocating for Parkinson's awareness, embracing life with resilience despite the challenging road ahead.