Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Finger-to-nose

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Ask the patient to alternately touch the tip of their own nose and then your fingertip held at arm's length, repeating as you move your finger to different positions. Watch the movement for accuracy and smoothness, including any overshoot (dysmetria) or a tremor that worsens as the finger nears a target (intention tremor).

How to Interpret

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References

  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Systems / Regions

NeurologicalUpper Extremities

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