Finger to Nose Test
Other Names
- Finger–Nose Test
- Finger-to-Nose Coordination Test
- Finger-Nose-Finger Test (variation using examiner’s finger)
- Cerebellar Coordination Test (Finger-to-Nose)
- Dysmetria Test
Purpose
- Evaluate cerebellar function and coordination
- Assess for dysmetria (past-pointing)
- Identify intention tremor
- Screen for upper limb ataxia
Description
- Patient instructed to touch their nose with their index finger, then extend to a target (own or examiner’s finger)
- Movement repeated rapidly and smoothly
- Examiner may reposition their finger to increase difficulty
- Test both hands
- Positive findings:
- Dysmetria (overshooting or undershooting target)
- Intention tremor (worsens as finger approaches target)
- Decomposition of movement (jerky, segmented motion)
Pathology
- Cerebellar lesions (stroke, tumor, degeneration)
- Alcohol intoxication
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinocerebellar ataxias
- Traumatic brain injury involving cerebellum
Evidence
Cerebrovascular Accident
- Nishida et al[1]
- Odds Ratio: 25.34
See Also
References
- ↑ Nishida, Kazuki, et al. "The finger-to-nose test improved diagnosis of cerebrovascular events in patients presenting with isolated dizziness in the emergency department." Nagoya journal of medical science 84.3 (2022): 621.