Categories: Neurology

Pronator Drift: Mechanism

Pronator Drift is commonly assessed during a stroke assessment. It is a marker of upper motor neuron weakness.

MECHANISM:

In upper motor neuron weakness, pronation is stronger than supination in the upper extremities, causing a pronation of the affected arm. See Video.

NOTE: This test can be useful in determining consistency. If a patient’s weakness is functional, the patient will almost always drop their arm without pronating it.

REFERENCES

  1. Clinical Neurology, 10e, 2017. Neurologic History & Examination. Roger P. Simon, Michael J. Aminoff, David A. Greenberg
Get Medical Pearls directly to your inbox every week!
Weekly posts with high yield medical knowledge, directly to your mailbox!
Dr. C Humphreys

Internal Medicine

Recent Posts

Why is Tongue Scalloping seen with Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Tongue scalloping refers to the series of indentations along the sides of the tongue that…

20 hours ago

Older Age and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Older age is recognized as a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea.[1] But why? Suspected…

5 months ago

How does Weight Affect Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Mechanism

Being overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)/Obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is one of the most…

5 months ago

Nocturia and OSA: Mechanism

Nocturia is a common symptom associated with obstructive sleep apnea. [1] Img Cred: Am J…

1 year ago

ASD vs. VSD Murmur Difference

ASD (Atrial Septal Defect) Wide, Fixed split S2 (in contrast to the normal variation in…

1 year ago

Mechanism of a Mixed Apnea

Mixed apneas are characterized by absent respiratory effort and airflow in the first section of…

2 years ago

This website uses cookies.