Finger-Nose Test
August 19th, 2017
Overview
The finger-nose test is used to assess coordinated, target-driven movement of the upper limb; this is lost in the context of cerebellar pathology.
How to Assess
- Ask the patient to touch their nose with the tip of their index finger, and then touch your finger. Repeat after moving your finger. Repeat with the other side.
Interpretation
- Normal: the finger moves directly between their nose and your finger.
- Postural tremor: increasing tremor with movement that doesn't get worse as it approaches the target.Physiologic, essential tremor, metabolic, drugs
- Intention tremor: smooth start with increasing tremor as the finger approaches the target.Cerebellar lesion
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