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
- Clinical Neurology, 10e, 2017. Neurologic History & Examination. Roger P. Simon, Michael J. Aminoff, David A. Greenberg