As there are pyramidal signs that indicate disease of the pyramidal tract, so are there cerebellar signs that indicate disease of the cerebellum and its connections. While such cerebellar signs are numerous, many of them become manifest only when there is a marked functional defect of the cerebellum. When classical signs are evident, there is no need for special tests; the following signs may, however, reveal a cerebellar deficit in patients without obvious functional impairment or even without referable complaints. Patients with cerebellar lesions have been observed in whom these cerebellar signs were unmistakably present; however, until they have been rechecked on a large scale the last word on their differential diagnostic value cannot be spoken.
Ataxia Against Passive Resistance.—
Examination for cerebellar function usually begins with the finger-to-nose test. The patient allows his arms to hang loosely at his sides. He is then asked to raise one arm