Walk in tandem (heel of one foot
directly in front of toe of other foot, in a straight line) and then stand in tandem (heel of
one foot directly in front of toe of other foot)
Examiner Position & Action
Observe patient while walking and
standing in tandem
Tissues
Being Stressed
Intracranial/Cerebral Tissue
Positive Test
Observing any loss of balance,
difficulty of walking in tandem (walking in a straight line) or
standing in tandem (standing on 2 feet). Note that standing
will be more difficult
Interpretation
Inability to do the above suggests possible cerebral/intracranial lesion
Common errors in
performing exam
For those that are more skilled, or for
a more challenging exam in which suspicion of intracranial lesion is
not as clear, repeat the test having the patient close their eyes
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation
Related tests
Rhomberg Test,
Neurological Control Test - Upper/lower limb