The purpose of testing upper extremity cerebellar function is to look for evidence of a lesion involving the cerebellar hemispheres or the cerebellar pathways.

The finger-to-nose maneuver, a simple screening test of upper extremity cerebellar function, should be performed on all patients as part of a standard neurologic examination. Other tests of upper extremity cerebellar function, such as rapid alternating movements or testing for rebound, don’t need to be performed routinely. These additional tests of cerebellar function should be performed when the possibility of cerebellar dysfunction is suggested by the history or you need to look for additional confirmation of cerebellar dysfunction when an abnormality is suggested on the finger-to-nose test.

The basic relevant neuroanatomy of the cerebellum and its pathways is discussed in Chapter 33, Approach to the Cerebellar Examination. The left cerebellar hemisphere coordinates the left arm (and leg), and the right cerebellar hemisphere coordinates the right arm (and leg). Table 33-1 summarizes the lesions within the cerebellum or its pathways that may cause incoordination on examination.

None.