What condition is described by impaired gait?

Impaired gait is best described by ataxia, which refers to a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements. This condition affects balance and motor control, leading to unsteady walking patterns and difficulty in performing movements smoothly. Ataxia can result from various neurological conditions, injuries, or diseases that impact the cerebellum, the part of the brain that regulates coordination.

The term "ataxia" is specifically used in medical contexts to describe this dysfunction in movement and coordination, making it the most accurate choice for the condition characterized by an impaired gait. In contrast, while nystagmus refers to involuntary eye movement, drug dependence and psychoactive intoxication pertain more to substance use and mental states rather than directly affecting gait or movement coordination.