In this period the ataxic symptoms are most prominent; the gait has become so unsteady that the patient needs canes to walk at all and must constantly watch his feet.

He walks a little better when well under way, but at starting or when standing still he sways and totters.

The girdle-sense is severe and constant, various pains assail the body and limbs; the numbness of the feet, often described as a feeling "like walking with a pillow under the foot," still further incommodes his walking.[30] The bladder control may be so enfeebled as to require daily catheterization, and the bowels move only with enemas or purgatives, and often without the patient's knowledge, owing to the anaesthesia which affects the rectum and its vicinity.
One of the first things to attend to when patients are in this stage is the bladder, as the retention is the only condition likely to produce serious disorder.

Cystitis is or may be present, and with the retention is a constant threat to the kidneys.

Catheterization and washing out with an antiseptic must be regularly practised while treatment is used to improve the condition.
For these patients rest in bed is a prime necessity in order to remove all excuse for exertion.