Patient is asked to stand with arms
forward flexed to 90 degrees & eyes closed.
Hold position for 30
seconds.
Examiner Position & Action
Observe patient while they perform the
exam
Tissues
Being Tested
Intracranial/Cerebral Tissue
Positive Test
Note to see if one arm tends to drift
outward or downward.
Also observe
any loss of balance,
swaying, facial expressions suggesting difficulty in maintaining
posture/position, inability to stand, patient falls to one side.
Interpretation
Inability to do the above suggests possible cerebral/intracranial lesion
on the side opposite the side with the drift.
Common errors in
performing exam & Notes
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 - lower limb, Tandem Test