Spine

Romberg test

What you examine

Whether balance depends on vision, pointing to a disturbance of proprioception or the dorsal columns.

Procedure

Have the patient stand with the feet together and arms at the sides, first with eyes open and then for thirty seconds with eyes closed. Be ready to support.

Positive when

Clearly more sway or falling once the eyes close, while it was fine with the eyes open.

What the test is worth

Points to a sensory ataxia: the distinction from a cerebellar disorder is that the latter sways with the eyes open too.

Caution

In cervical myelopathy this examination belongs alongside the reflexes and Babinski's test. A positive finding is a reason to refer, not to manipulate.

Body region

Spine