Romberg Test

This morning we talked about the Romberg test.

The ability to maintain a steady posture depends on input from 2 of the 3:
o vestibular apparatus
o eyes
o propioception from feet
The cerebellum coordinates the input from all three.

ROMBERG test tells you about problems in propioception or the vestibular apparatus.
The test start with the patient standing with heels together and eyes OPEN. If there is unsteadiness, then there is cerebellar ataxia. If the patient is steady, then ask the patient to stand with eyes CLOSED. Inability to stand for 60 seconds with eyes CLOSED is a positive Romberg sign, and reflects vestibular disease or sensory ataxia.

*The test was named after the German neurologist Moritz Romberg (1795-1873).

Ref: Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis, McGee. 2007.