Over the last ten years a number of bedside diagnostic tests have been developed to aid in the diagnosis of carotid artery insufficiency. One of these tests is the digital occlusion of first one, then the other carotid artery. This technique was first mentioned by Bonnal et al,1then first described in this country by Ochs et al.2Gurdjian and Webster3-5brought this test to the attention of many neurologists and neurosurgeons through their extensive writings. The technique they described is performed as follows: The patient sits during the test. Carotid sinus hypersensitivity is first ruled out by massage of each carotid sinus as the blood pressure and pulse are recorded. Digital pressure is then exerted over the carotid bulb first on one side and then on the other. Pressure is maintained between 10 and 30 seconds. The above authors3-5listed syncope, aphasia, extremity weakness, or