Claimants for mobility allowance: causes of disability and the scope for prevention.

Six hundred and twenty-one claimants for Mobility Allowance were examined by the author, who recorded the patient's statement of his or her history and current disability, carried out a full physical examination and observed the gait and limitation of walking. Four hundred and seventy-five appeared to satisfy the medical conditions to qualify for the allowance. They were analysed by age, sex and body system involved and were compared with the corresponding total figure for Mobility Allowance in England, Scotland and Wales.The more common diagnoses are listed and are considered from the point of view of prevention. The implications for general practice are discussed. They concern the detection of hypertension and health education for antenatal care, smoking and the wearing of seat belts.