Assessment of neurological 'soft signs' in adolescents: reliability studies

The validity and reliability of a scoring system for 'neurological soft signs' in teenagers was assessed. Six scales were adapted and fitted into the framework of a conventional neurological examination. The following emerged: each of the three multi-item scales had high internal consistency; inter-rater agreement on mirror movements of 'live' subjects was satisfactory; ratings of videotapes agreed among examiners for mirror movements and dysdiadochokinesis but not for choreiform movements; data-based cut-off scores defining present vs. absent were congruent with the ratings of outside neurologists; and each examiner was consistent in rating mirror movements and rapid alternating movements from videotapes over several months.