A 59-year-old retired Air Force captain with a history of alcohol abuse is examined by a neurologist after waking up with nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of unsteadiness. During the examination the man exhibits dysmetria in heel-to-shin and finger-to-nose testing on the right and falls to the right as he attempts to stand. Which of the following most specifically describes the patient's dysmetria during the finger-to-nose and heel-to-shin maneuvers?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Appendicular ataxia is characterized by a lack of coordination in limb movements, which is what the patient exhibits during the finger-to-nose and heel-to-shin testing. This condition is often associated with cerebellar dysfunction, which can affect precise, coordinated movements of the extremities.

A 59-Year-Old Retired Air Force Captain with a History of Alcohol