| head-dropping test | A test used in the diagnosis of disease of the extrapyramidal or striatal system (e.g., parkinsonism, Wilson's disease); with the patient supine, relaxed, and his attention diverted, the examiner briskly lifts the patient's head with the right hand and then allows it to drop upon the palm of his left hand; the head of a normal person drops suddenly like a dead weight, whereas, in striatal disease the head falls slowly, gently, and almost hesitantly. (05 Mar 2000) |
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