5 Functional Neurological Tests To Check Healthy Brain Function
Work with a partner when doing these tests.
- Stand with your feet together and hands by your side. Do you feel balanced? Now have someone stand next to you to spot you as you close your eyes and repeat the test. Are you able to stand steady or does your body sway or feel unsteady?
- Stand with your feet together and lift your arms up and out to the side. Have someone spot you as you close your eyes and try to touch the very tip of your nose with the very tip of your index finger. Do one side at a time. Are you able to meet your target quickly and accurately or are you more accurate on one side? Do your hands shake or tremble at rest or when you move them towards your nose?
- Now place a small object like a paper clip or small eraser on a table in front of you so you have to extend your arm out to touch it. Touch your nose first then reach out to touch the object. Do you notice any shaking in your arm or hand as you reach towards the object? Repeat touching your nose then the object three times. Now close your eyes repeat the task. Did you know where the object was or did you miss touching it? Turn your head slightly to one side and repeat trying to touch the object with your eyes closed. Were you able to adjust your reach to touch the target?
- Perform these last two tests only if you demonstrated good balance Walk down a narrow hallway. Does your spotter notice a difference from side to side with respect to how you walk or swing your arms? Now repeat this task while reciting every second letter of the alphabet out loud as you walk. Does your gait change or slow down? Now with your spotter nearby and only if you felt pretty steady on your feet, close your eyes and walk down the narrow hallway. Do you veer off to the side?
- To do this test correctly the room must be completely silent. Again perform this test only if you demonstrated good balance. Put your arms outstretched in front of you and march in place for thirty seconds with your eyes closed and lifting your knees up high as you march. Be sure your spotter is nearby to help you if you lose your balance. Are you able to march in place? Did you feel unsteady, turn your body or travel off your starting point?
So how did you do?
Your brain sends electrical signals via your spinal cord and nerves to control your muscles, organs and systems and help you adapt to changes in your environment. You should be able to do all of these tests easily with a healthy nervous system. If you had any trouble with these tests, you might benefit from a chiropractic adjustment to improve how well your brain is able to control your body.
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