Upper limb neurological tests Flashcards
Describe Tinnel’s test
WHAT? - Test for carpal tunnel syndrome
HOW? - Hold hand in supinated position & tap over the carpal tunnel
WHY? - The median nerve which passes through the carpal tunnel is being irritated
+ve test would be reproduced symptoms distal to the tap (eg: pain, numbness & tingling)
Describe Phalan’s test
WHAT? - Test for carpal tunnel syndrome
HOW? - Place the back of hands together (wrist flexion) and push elbows downwards
WHY? - The median nerve is compressed due to an increase in inter-carpal pressure
+ve test would be reproduced symptoms (eg: pain, numbness & tingling)
Describe Roo’s test
WHAT? - Test for TOS
HOW? - Abduct shoulders & flex elbows to 90*, open & close hands for 3 mins
WHY? - Compressing the subclavian artery
+ve test would be a colour change in the hands, weakness & the inability to hold arms in that position
Describe Adeson’s test
WHAT? - Test for TOS
HOW? - Record baseline pulse, head in slight extension & rotation towards affected side, abduct arm to 40*, extend & externally rotate, record pulse again
WHY? - Scalene muscles compressing the subclavian artery
+ve test would be a diminished pulse
Describe the costoclavicular test
WHAT? - Test for TOS
HOW? - Record baseline pulse, retract & depress shoulders, record pulse again
WHY? - 1st rib & clavicle compressing the subclavian artery
+ve test would be a diminished pulse
Describe Wright’s test
WHAT? - Test for TOS
HOW? - Record baseline pulse, Abduct shoulder & flex elbow to 90, extend elbow & abduct shoulder to 180
WHY? - Pec minor compressing the subclavian artery
+ve test would be a diminished pulse
