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I. Case-Control Comparison

Robert W. Baloh, MD; Qing Yue, MD; Tina M. Socotch, MS; Kathleen M. Jacobson

Arch Neurol. 1995;52(10):970-974.

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the relationship between subcortical white matter lesions identified on magnetic resonance imaging and gait and balance problems in older people.

Design
Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain in 27 community-dwelling older patients (>75 years of age) who had subjective and objective abnormalities of gait and balance of unknown cause were compared with those of 27 age- and sex-matched control subjects. The T2-weighted intense lesions of the subcortical white matter were graded on a scale of 0 to 2.

Setting
Outpatient clinic.

Results
The patients had significantly (P<.01, X²) more severe subcortical white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging than did the control group. Patients fell more frequently than did the control subjects and had slower motor responses and prolonged reaction times compared with the control subjects.

Conclusions
Subcortical white matter lesions identified on magnetic resonance imaging are associated with gait and balance dysfunction in ambulatory older people. These lesions probably interfere with central processing of sensorimotor signals leading to impaired postural responses.

Author Affiliations
From the Departments of Neurology (Drs Baloh and Yue and Ms Socotch) and Surgery (Head and Neck) (Dr Baloh and Ms Jacobson), UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif.

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