Past Pointing Test |
Examination type |
Cognitive
function, coordination (observational test) |
Patient & Body Segment Positioning |
Standing
while facing the examiner |
Examiner Position |
IStanding
in front of and facing the patient |
Tissues
Being Tested |
Cerebellum
of the brain |
Performing the Test |
1.
Patient & examiner face each other
2. Examiner extends arms and points straight ahead with index
fingers 6” apart
3. Ask pt. to lift both arms overhead while pointing with both
index fingers & then to bring down both arms and
touch examiner’s index fingers while keeping arms extended
4. Repeat the process again, but this time ask the patient to
perform the test with their eyes closed |
Positive Test |
Patient’s
fingers will not line up to examiners fingers. One or both
sides may be off. |
Interpretation |
Concussion, or vestibular problems.
May indicate injury to the cerebellum. |
Common errors in
performing exam |
Forgetting
to repeat the test with the patient closing their eyes; patient
must lift arms completely overhead, not just raise them
slightly. |
Factors possibly
resulting in misinterpretation |
Not knowing
what constitutes a positive test or how to interpret the test |
Related tests |
Heel to Knee
Test, Finger to Nose Test, Finger-Thumb Test, Hand Flip Test,
Finger Drumming Test, Hand-Thigh Test |
References |
Magee.
Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 4th Ed. 2002. |
Links: |
http://www.neohns.com/riesco/lect2.html |
MOUSE OVER PICTURE
TO VIEW MOVIE |
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