finger to nose test

A test for dysmetria. Procedure: - with eyes open, have the patient extend his/her elbow & in a wide arc, rapidly touch the tip of his or her nose with the index finger - repeat test using contralateral arm Clinical significance: - the test repeated with the eyes closed, tests the sense of position in the shoulder & elbow - an action tremor may be observed with cerebellar disease

References

DeGowin & DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination, 6th edition, RL DeGowin (ed), McGraw Hill, NY 1994, pg 799, 801