What does the assessment of cerebellar function test?

The assessment of cerebellar function is primarily focused on evaluating coordinated movements. The cerebellum plays a critical role in the regulation and coordination of voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning. When assessing cerebellar function, a clinician may observe a patient’s ability to perform tasks that require precise and coordinated muscle activity, such as finger-to-nose movements, rapid alternating movements, or walking heel-to-toe.

Evaluating coordination can also include examining the quality of movements to determine if the patient experiences ataxia (lack of muscle control), dysmetria (disruption in the accurate scaling of movements), or tremors. Therefore, understanding and assessing these coordinated movements is essential to identifying potential cerebellar dysfunction, ensuring that the patient's motor control and stability are intact.