How can proprioception disorder impair your balance?

Police officers use a variety of tests to determine if someone has been operating a vehicle while possessing a high blood alcohol level. One such test is the walk-and-turn test. However, while someone may fail this test because of inebriation, there are drivers who cannot maintain their balance because of an existing medical issue.

It is important to understand how your health affects your movements in the event you mount a defense against a DWI charge. According to WebMD, some people cannot complete a walk-and-turn test due to aproblem with their proprioception.

The definition of proprioception

The fact that you can move without having to think about it is due to your proprioception. It is the ability of your body to sense where things are and to allow your body to move and act. Proprioception relies on the sensory receptors located in your tendons, muscles, joints, and nerves. These receptors relay information about your body’s actions and positions to your brain so your body understands how to move.

Symptoms of proprioception disorder

A proprioception disorder occurs when your sensory receptors fail to function properly. You could struggle to walk straight, suffer balance problems or experience falls, particularly when walking on an uneven surface. These problems may arise from a number of health conditions. Examples include arthritis, an injury to the brain or joints, a herniated disc, Parkinson’s disease, or a form of autism.

Any of these conditions can impair your balance and coordination. This could become a problem if an officer requires you to conduct a walk-and-turn test. If you know you have a medical issue that impairs your ability to walk, you may have to point this out if you fall under suspicion of driving under the influence.