Hey Joel,

When I could not reach my nose, I definately was not walking on my own or really at all....

I am now most of the time able to get my nose. I use a cane now.

I do remember as I was getting BACK to walking that I couldn't touch my nose....using a walker then....

Hi Joelle,

I would definitely talk to my Neuro about this and find out where he is getting his information to base his theory on. Is he telling you that NONE of his patients who are dependant on a mobility device can touch their finger to their nose?

I've been trying it while sitting here and I can do it with either hand - that is not something I have ever not been able to do. But my Neuro doesn't always give me that test - he usually makes me do the "sobriety test" and then hits me with the little rubber hammer.

***I was going to reply with some smart-alecky comment based on our earlier conversation but chickened out!!! ***

I'm OK with my right finger, close with my left. I've been in a WC and I use a cane fulltime when I'm not using the WC.

I've seen no difference or correlation between the two with me.

Interesting thought.

I've never seen two Neuros that could agree or have the same conclusions on anything (exageration.) Every Neuro I've met was a little goofy upstairs too. Lol.

I haven't been able to do that test in years and I don't use any mobility aids at this point...however, I do walk like a penquin most days and probably should use an aid. lol

I used a cane for a short period, probably need to go back, it would probably help with a lot of walking issues.

LOL! I tried this when I read the post and my right finger landed somewhere in the middle between tip of nose and eyebrow! Then I tried it left handed and hit the mark. Every time I tried it afterwards I was right on target.

When I got up this afternoon, I tried it again and missed with the right hand again! I have a neuro appointment tomorrow and I am going to ask about this now!

I'm stiff and slow most of the time, but I am still walking!

It's hit or miss with me (pun not intended. LOL). Sometimes I can do it and sometimes I can't. I can walk but not all that well and should use a cane. I sometimes find that the cane can be more trouble than it's worth.

I think when they do this test they are also looking at the movement of your arms, fingers, etc and how your finger eventually got to or close to your nose. So there is more to it than just touching your nose.

I'm not sure if this link will go directly the section you are asking about, but if not, click on:

- coordination and gait ... then
- appendicular coordination

http://www.neuroexam.com/content.php?p=36

This is another good link for neuro testing:

http://edinfo.med.nyu.edu/courseware/neurosurgery/

I think it's the combination of certain aspects they are looking to see, and they can tell from our results (on those combinations) what is effected.

Cherie

Craig hits his eye or somewhere else...He hasn't walked for about two years...its been over six years since he could walk only short distances with a cane.

I can do it with my eyes closed, but with them open my left hand misses. It's called ataxia, and it does affect leg coordination too.

I'm still walking (refer to first sentence).

Yeah. I wouldn't be able to pass the sobriety test if ever stopped by cops.

I can't stand and have my eyes closed without wobbling.

Yep I use a wheel chair on bad days, and cane on good days.