Pseudoathetosis

System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Slow, writhing movements of the outstretched fingers that appear when the eyes are closed, because the brain no longer knows where the fingers are.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with severe loss of proprioception (position sense) from dorsal column or parietal lobe lesions.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.