Dexter or Sinister?

I am not a doctor's office professional. I was never a sickly child and have—so far—been fortunate enough to dodge any serious accidents.

Lately, though, I've found myself going to the doctor more than ever. So, I've gotten pretty quick-on-the-draw with the battery of questions:
"Are you currently taking any medications?" No.
"To your knowledge, are you allergic to any medications?" No.

I just saw a specialist (neurologist) and I knew there would be some new tools and paraphernalia I had never seen before. (I was especially amused by a weird tuning-fork-like thingy that vibrates: "Tell me when you feel the vibration go away.") But, I was taken aback by one of the standard questions: "Are you right-handed or left-handed?"

Hmmm. It makes perfect sense that a neurologist would ask that question—perfect sense. Yet, I would never have predicted it. I have never thought of the question of hand preference in a serious manner:
•The old punchline: "Only left-handed people are in their right mind!"
•Learning a new word as a young kid: Eating with my off-hand at a family dinner, my uncle says, "Are you ambidextrous?" "What does that mean?" "Equally clumsy in both hands."

"To your knowledge, are you allergic to any medications?" No.
"Are you right-handed or left-handed?" Right.