EXAMINATIO

N OF THE
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM

1
Observation
of
posture and
gait
Passive movements
Active movements
Assessment of power
The upper limbs
The lower limbs
Coordination
 Coordination tests
• Finger-to-nose test
• Heel-to-sheen test
• Rapid alternating movements
– Patient taps his palm with the other hand
each time alternating palm and back of hand
– (Dysdiadochokinesia)
– Patient attempts to sit up from lying supine
with his hands folded in front of him
– Performing rapid, rhythmic, tapping-like
movements with feet or hands
Reflexes
Babinski’s sign Normal Abnormal
= = =
Plantar reflex Negative Babinski’s sign Positive Babinski’s sign
= =
Downgoing plantar reflex Extensor plantar reflex
Examination
of
sensory
modalities
 2-point
discrimination
Graphesthesia
Stereognosis
END

79