pronator drift

Procedure

• the patient stands* for 20-30 seconds with both arms forward & extended with palms up & eyes closed (normal person can hold this arm position easily)

* The test may also be done in the sitting position for those who cannot stand

Interpretation

• pronation of one forearm suggests a lesion in the contralateral corticospinal tract
  • downward dirft of the arm with flexion of the fingers & elbow may also occur
• a sideward or upward drift, occasionally with writhing movements of the hands suggests a loss of position sense (lesion in the posterior columns)

More general terms

• physical examination technique