Romberg Test

Other Names

• Romberg's Sign
• Romberg's Test
• Romberg's Maneuver

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Purpose

Measurement of postural sway and muscle activation. (A) Romberg test position with eye closed. (B) Romberg test position with eye opened. (B, C) Dominant single leg standing with eye opened. (D) Nondominant single leg standing with eye opened.

Modified Romberg Test using foam pads

• Evaluate neurological function for balance, sensory ataxia
• Test is based on principle that you need 2/3 sensory input to maintain balance: proprioception, vestibular function, vision

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Description

• The patient is standing, two feet together, arms at patients side or crossed in front of body
• The patient initially stands with eyes open while examiner observes balance
• The patient is asked to close eyes, removing vision as a sensory input while the patient attempts to maintain balance
• Note examiner should be near patient to protect them from falling
• Positive Test:
  • Patient unable to maintain balance and is going to fall
  • Note, swaying is not pathologic

Modification

• Can be performed using foam pads or single leg stance to better assess balance

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Pathology

• Central causes of ataxia
• Cervical Myelopathy

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Evidence

• Unknown

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See Also

• Neck Pain (Main)
• Neck Anatomy (Main)
• Physical Exam Neck

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