A Guide to Common Neurological Examinations
Testing cerebellar function
Because the cerebellum determines your sense of equilibrium, there are several tests to detect abnormalities in this area of the brain. Most simply, the neurologist may examine your gait by asking you to walk in a straight line, noting how steadily you proceed. Other tests may include the Romberg test, the finger-nose test and heel-knee test.
The Romberg test is also very simple. Here, you stand with your feet together and your eyes closed. If you begin to fall, this could indicate cerebellar dysfunction. (Be sure to have someone there to catch you if you try this at home, just in case).
In the finger-nose test, you're asked to close your eyes and move your hand out from your side in a big circle, to finally touch your nose with your finger.
Finally, the heel-knee test is performed while you are lying down. The neurologist will ask you to place your right heel on your left knee (or vice versa) and slowly move the heel downwards towards your foot. This test shows your coordination performance and your ability to judge distances (dysmetria). Severe dysmetria will cause the heel to overshoot and miss the knee, and/or oscillate widely as it runs down the leg to finaly overshoot the foot in an uncontrolled manner.
