Some textbooks and neurologists include co-ordination as a separate category of the neurological exam whereas here it is included as part of the motor exam. To perform tasks of co-ordination one requires normal motor, sensory, and cerebellar systems. Lesions affecting any of these areas could give rise to abnormal tests of co-ordination.
Examination Technique (upper extremities):
- finger to nose.
- rapid index to thumb movements or individual digits to thumb, rapid small index finger circles over the opposite dorsal webspace, rapidly alternate each hand palmar then dorsal aspect down over thigh or opposite hand.
Examination Technique (lower extremities):
- ask the patient to place their heel on their opposite knee and slide their heel down their shin to the ankle.
- ask to the patient to tap their opposite knee with their heel.
- have the patient reach for your finger with their large toe.
- ask the patient to perform rapid foot taps.
Coordination