A London-based doctor, known on TikTok as “Medifectious,” has captured attention after sharing a short but fascinating hand test that could help with the early detection of brain tumors or other neurological conditions. His video, which has already drawn over 185,000 views, demonstrates how to check for dysdiadochokinesia (dis-dee-ad-oh-ko-ki-nee-zee-ah)—a medical term describing difficulty with rapid, alternating hand movements.
How to Perform the Hand Test
- Stretch both arms out straight in front of you.
- Place your palms facing downward.
- Flip your hands so the palms face upward.
- Continue flipping from down to up as quickly as possible for 30 seconds.
Most healthy individuals can perform this smoothly. But as the doctor explains, struggling with the test may indicate an issue in the part of the brain that controls movement.
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What Is Dysdiadochokinesia?
Dysdiadochokinesia isn’t a disease itself—it’s a symptom of an underlying issue. It signals trouble with making quick, fluid, back-and-forth movements, often linked to problems in the cerebellum—the “little brain” at the back of your head that coordinates balance, timing, and precision.
Possible warning signs include:
- Clumsiness or frequently dropping objects
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (like buttoning a shirt)
- Awkward or stiff hand movements
- Declining handwriting quality
- Trouble maintaining balance while walking
Think of the cerebellum as your body’s traffic controller: it makes sure movements happen in the right order. When it’s disrupted, even simple actions can feel difficult.
The Science Behind the Test
Although it makes up only 10% of brain volume, the cerebellum houses about half of your brain’s neurons. It fine-tunes movements in real time—like during the rapid flipping required in this test.
@chars_tt Trying to stay strong while living with a brain tumour is exactly how @Leedw2022🏴 lives. The waiting, the fear, the what-ifs… it messes with your head more than people realise. It’s not just physical — the mental toll is massive. This is for anyone who’s been told to “just stay positive” while fighting something invisible. You’re not alone. Thank you @Medifectious for this information #BrainTumourAwareness #BrainTumourWarrior #BrainTumourJourney #WaitingGame #BrainSurgerySoon #HiddenIllness #MentalHealthMatters #InvisibleStruggles #HealthAnxiety #Scanxiety #TumourTalk #ChronicIllnessCommunity #YouAreNotAlone ♬ original sound - Char’s TT
This exercise challenges the cerebellar timing circuits and the cerebellar peduncles, which connect the cerebellum to the motor cortex. Damage in these areas can cause jerky or delayed movements, making this test useful for picking up subtle neurological issues that could point to early-stage brain tumors.
What If You Struggle With the Test?
Difficulty doesn’t always mean a brain tumor, but it’s worth investigating. Other conditions that may affect performance include:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Stroke recovery
- Cerebellar ataxia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Long-term heavy alcohol use
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Side effects from certain medications
Because many disorders can interfere with coordination, doctors stress that the test should only be considered an early red flag, not a diagnosis.
When to Seek Medical Advice
See a doctor if you:
- Suddenly can’t perform movements you once managed with ease
- Notice one side of your body is weaker or less coordinated
- Struggle with everyday tasks requiring fine motor control
Also, watch for additional warning signs, such as:
- Persistent or severe morning headaches
- Vision or speech changes
- Unexplained nausea or vomiting
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in limbs
- Noticeable confusion or unusual behavior
Doctors emphasize: early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. If concerned, your physician may order an MRI scan to look for abnormalities.
Supporting Your Cerebellum and Brain Health
You can actively support coordination and cerebellar function through:
- Coordination activities: juggling, table tennis, playing musical instruments
- Balance training: yoga, single-leg stands, balance boards
- Mind-body exercises: tai chi, dance, martial arts
- Brain-healthy diet: antioxidant-rich fruits/vegetables, omega-3 fatty fish, whole grains, eggs, and plenty of water
- Limiting alcohol, which directly affects cerebellar function
Why This Test Matters
This hand-flipping activity—known as the pronation-supination test—has long been used in neurology. Now, thanks to TikTok, more people are discovering they can do a quick self-check at home in seconds, without any equipment.
The doctor concludes:
“Awareness is powerful. Social media is a great way to start learning about your health—but it shouldn’t replace professional care.”
Pay attention to your body. Subtle changes in coordination might be the earliest clue to something serious. Have you tried the test yet?
👉 Please share this with your friends and family—early awareness could make a life-changing difference.
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