What does the finger-nose test mean?

The Finger to Nose Test is a test of the body’s balance function, which we do by pointing to the tip of our nose. If the patient’s balance function is impaired, the finger will be unsteady or inaccurate, this kind of balance dysfunction is mainly seen in patients with cerebellar injury or muscle strength decline. Other tests that may be performed to check balance are the straight-step test, which is a one-step walk, the finger-to-nose test, which is a finger-to-finger pair, and the Auberger’s sign. If the finger-nose test is positive, we need to go further, and we have a finger-nose test with eyes open and a finger-nose test with eyes closed, which suggests a different etiology. If it’s a cerebellar lesion, then the finger-nose is not allowed with the eyes open and closed, but if it’s a vestibular lesion, we will not be able to point with the eyes closed, but we will be able to point with the eyes open because of the visual compensation.