Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: "Buddy system" movement

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Neurology - General


HI
I am a 32 yr. old white male who has had neurological systems for some time now. Mostly sensory problems with the right side and motor problems on the left (spastic movement). I am undergoing physical therapy currently and am suprised at one thing that I have discovered. If I try to do a task or motion with my left arm only, it is spastic as usual but if I use both arms in coordination I am almost normal on both sides. Even when they were testing my strength I seemed normal as long as it was being done bilateraly but if done on my left side only it would result in a "spastic" response. The PT called it the "buddy system" and acted like it is common. Can you explain what this is and that it may be a sign of?

Thanks
Jeff


Thanks for your question. The exact neurophysiological mechanism of the
phenomena described in your message is not completely elucidated, however
it is indeed a very common event, and physicians/neurologists use it very
frequently during the neurological examination of patients. The neurologist
will often ask the patient to perform either a mental/cognitive tasks (adding
numbers, naming the months of the year), or a motor task in the other limb
in order to "bring out" subtle presentations of spasticity, tremors and/or
dystonia. Another very common "trick" (if the symptoms are in the upper
extremities) is to ask the patient to walk up-and-down a hallway and observe
the anomalous movements in the upper limbs.

I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.

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