Romberg Test for Imbalance: What It Is and Why It’s Performed – Healthline

The Romberg test is a test that measures your sense of balance.

Its typically used to diagnose problems with your balance, which is composed of your visual, vestibular (inner ear), and proprioceptive (positional sense) systems during a neurological exam.

Specifically, the test assesses the function of the dorsal column in your spinal cord. The dorsal column is responsible for proprioception, or your sense of your bodys movement and position.

A law enforcement officer may also use a modified Romberg test to check a persons sobriety. For example, it might be done to determine if a person is under the influence of alcohol.

The test is also known as the:

Your health care provider will likely use a Romberg test if youre experiencing imbalance, dizziness, and falls during everyday activities.

To learn more about the Romberg test and what it involves, read on. Well explain what to expect, what the results mean, and common variations of the test.

When used for medical purposes, the Romberg test will take place in your health providers office. You dont need to go to the hospital.

The Romberg test consists of two stages. Heres what you can expect:

Youll perform the test without any physical support. This means your provider wont hold your shoulders or place you against a wall.

Additionally, some examiners might have you perform each stage for up to 60 seconds.

Its worth noting that the Romberg test will look different if its done by a law enforcement official. You wont have to remove your shoes and you may not have to close your eyes.

The Romberg test can be performed in various ways. Providers might also make their own modifications and use different postures, foot positions, or duration.

Common variations include the following:

The sharpened Romberg test, also called the tandem Romberg test, uses a different foot position. Its often used for people who are at risk of falling due to old age or a neurological disorder.

In this version, youre asked to place one foot in front of the other. The heel of your front foot should touch the toes of your back foot.

Either foot can be placed in the front position. Your provider might have you switch feet and repeat the test to see if your balance changes.

The single leg Romberg test involves standing on one leg. You may be asked to switch feet so your provider can assess any differences.

The results of a Romberg test are determined by your body movements while balancing. Heres what each result means:

If you sway and fall during the test, your result is positive.

A positive Romberg test may indicate an issue with your:

These systems help you stay balanced while standing upright. But if theres a problem with one of these systems, you may be unable to maintain balance.

A positive test result might be caused by other disorders. Examples include:

A Romberg test is negative if you have minimal swaying during the test. It also means youre able to stay stable with your eyes closed or open.

This indicates that your vestibular or proprioceptive symptoms may not be related to balancing issues.

The Romberg test is given to anyone who has:

Its possible to get dizzy or fall during the test. Therefore, your health care provider should:

These precautions will ensure that you stay safe during the test.

The Romberg test, or Romberg sign, is a simple test that assesses your ability to stay balanced. Your health care provider might use the test if you have dizziness or falling. A positive Romberg test occurs if you lose balance during the procedure.

Generally, the Romberg test is done to evaluate neurological conditions like head injuries or Parkinson disease. The examiner should always prioritize safety and prevent falls, which may lead to injury.

Read more:
Romberg Test for Imbalance: What It Is and Why It's Performed - Healthline