What type of gait is characterized by uncoordinated movements and unsteadiness?

Ataxia is characterized by uncoordinated movements and unsteadiness, making it the correct choice for this question. This condition often arises from dysfunction in the cerebellum or other parts of the central nervous system that are responsible for coordination and balance. Individuals exhibiting ataxia may display a wide-based stance, difficulty with balance, and irregular movements while walking, which significantly impacts their ability to perform voluntary movements smoothly.

In contrast, spastic gait is typically associated with muscle stiffness and involuntary contractions, leading to a different type of movement pattern. Antalgic gait is a compensatory mechanism adopted to avoid pain while walking, which generally results in a limp rather than unsteady or uncoordinated movements. Staggered gait is often a colloquial term and may describe someone who is simply unbalanced, but it does not specifically refer to the neurological issues associated with ataxia. Thus, ataxia distinctly captures the essence of uncoordinated movements and unsteadiness.