What is a toning fork that used by neurologist in an examination?

A tuning fork is a metal instrument that, when struck, vibrates and produces a sound of a specific frequency. Neurologists use tuning forks as part of a neurological examination to assess a person's sense of vibration and hearing, as well as to test for certain neurological conditions.

During a neurological examination, the neurologist may use a tuning fork to perform the following tests:

Rinne test: This test compares air conduction and bone conduction of sound. The neurologist places the vibrating tuning fork on the mastoid bone behind the ear and asks the person if they can hear the sound. The tuning fork is then held near the ear canal, and the person is asked if they can still hear the sound. Normally, air conduction is better than bone conduction, so the person should be able to hear the sound longer when the tuning fork is held near the ear.

Weber test: This test compares bone conduction of sound in both ears. The neurologist places the vibrating tuning fork on the midline of the skull, and the person is asked if they hear the sound equally in both ears. Normally, the sound should be heard equally in both ears.

Finger-to-nose test: This test assesses coordination and proprioception (the sense of where your body parts are in space). The neurologist asks the person to close their eyes and touch their nose with their index finger. The neurologist may also ask the person to perform other coordinated movements, such as walking heel-to-toe or hopping on one foot.

Romberg test: This test assesses balance and coordination. The neurologist asks the person to stand with their feet together and their eyes closed. The neurologist may then gently push the person from side to side or ask them to walk in a straight line.

Tuning fork tests can help neurologists identify a variety of neurological conditions, including:

* Hearing loss

* Ménière's disease

* Multiple sclerosis

* Parkinson's disease

* Stroke

* Acoustic neuroma

* Otosclerosis

Tuning fork tests are a simple and non-invasive way to assess a person's neurological function. They can be performed in a doctor's office or hospital setting and do not require any special equipment.