The disturbance differs from cerebellar ataxia in that with astasis the gait can be relatively normal, with balance significantly impaired during transition from a seated to standing position.
This balance impairment is similar to patients with vestibulocerebellar syndrome, which is a progressive neurological disease with many symptoms and effects.
A combination of weakness of the triceps surae muscle, peripheral neuropathy, and irregular postural movements are the leading theories thus far.
[3] Damage to the peripheral nerves coming from the legs to the somatosensory area is the leading candidate for the cause of astasis.
The bilateral triceps surae muscle, made up of the gastrocnemius and the soleus, is essential to maintain a straight posture while standing.
It has been seen that patients with spinal atrophy who have astasia without abasia have neither sensory disturbances of the lower limbs or weakness in the hip extensor flexor muscles.
This region of the brain is not yet well understood and according to current knowledge, this is the first reported case with the simultaneous combination of astasis, pretectal syndrome, and asymmetrical asterixis.
[1] The most effective treatment of astasia seems to be a removal of stress inducing stimuli and allowing the patient to rest and regain strength.
Despite the lack of a direct prescribable cure for the effect of astasia on the motor system of the legs, in almost all documented cases physical rehabilitation and relief from mental stressors have led to a full recovery.
A 1975 study shows that when a patient is given direct encouragement and social distractions, their physical recovery proceeds much faster than when only basic instructions are provided to them.
[9] Paul Oscar Blocq was the first to describe astasis as the inability to maintain an upright posture despite normal function of the legs while sitting.
In a follow-up study, these trials were compared with a control group of 9 patients with movement disorders with regard to the gait that were non-psychogenic.