finger to nose test

Introduction

A test for dysmetria.

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

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

More general terms

• physical examination technique