Isolated gait ignition failure is a rare disorder manifested by the impossibility to start walking or by sudden stoppage of walking and inability to start again. The authors describe a rare case of the disorder in a female patient where subsequently localized ischaemia of the posterior part of the right putamen was revealed by CT examination. The disorder was resistent to drug treatment and was successfully influenced by a cognitive behavioural approach. The procedure was focused on creation and fixation of a "substitute motor programme" which was to replace the deficient programme. The effect of treatment was not permanent. Without daily training the disorder deteriorated again after several months. The authors conclude from the described case that in similar motor disorders this type of treatment may have a surprising therapeutic effect and should be indicated in those patients where medicamentous treatment fails or has very marked side effects.

        Key words: gait ignition failure, behavioural therapy