Romberg Test
ROM
Description
"Romberg" test evaluates balance by observing how well you can stand still with your eyes closed. Doctors use it to detect issues related to the inner ear, spinal cord, or neurological function. You’ll stand with feet together and arms at your sides—swaying or falling may indicate sensory or vestibular problems. This simple test is useful if you're experiencing dizziness or falls. Results help guide treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, or further neurological evaluations.
Category
Ear Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Assess
Test Group
Vestibular and Auditory Assessment Group
Test Group Description
Vestibular and Auditory Assessment Group: Tests in this group assess the function of the vestibular system and auditory pathways, aiding in the diagnosis of balance and hearing disorders.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Achilles tendinitis (Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, typically due to overuse)
Alcohol consumption
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (Inner ear disorder causing brief episodes of vertigo)
Bunions (Painful bony bumps that form on the joint at the base of the big toe)
Cerebellar ataxia (Loss of coordination due to damage to the cere...
Key Reasons For Testing
Balance Assessment: Evaluates ability to maintain balance while standing still, providing insights into proprioception and overall balance control.
Detection of Sensory Ataxia: Identifies sensory ataxia due to conditions like peripheral neuropathy or dorsal column dysfunction.
Assessment of Vestibular Function: Detects vestibular disorders by isolating visual inputs to assess balance.
Screening for Neurological Disorders: Identifies balance-related neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Romberg MH. Lehrbuch der Nervenkrankheiten des Menschen [Textbook of Nervous Diseases of Humans]. Berlin, Germany: Duncker & Humblot; 1846.
[2] Frohman EM, Frohman TC, Zee DS, et al. The neuro-ophthalmology of balance: the vestibular system in humans. Exp Brain Res. 2008;186(1):11-16.
[3] Shumway-Cook A, Horak FB. Assessing the influence of sensory interaction on balance: a clinical test of sensory interaction and balance (CTSIB). Phys Ther. 1986;66(10):1548-1550.
[4] Williams EN, Carledge J, Doherty P. Clinical assessment of postural stability in older adults: the relevance of the Romberg test. Age Ageing. 1997;26(2):137-142.
[5] Jacobson GP, Newman CW, Kartush JM. Balance function assessment and management. J Vestib Res. 1997;7(2-3):161-175.
[6] Nashner LM. Sensory, neuromuscular, and biomechanical contributions to human balance. Int J Neurosci. 1997;87(1-2):195-208.
[7] Whitney SL, Wrisley DM, Marchetti GF, et al. Clinical measures of balance: applications for self-reported function in vestibular populations. J Vestib Res. 2003;13(2):133-142.
[8] Shepard NT, Telian SA. Practical management of the balance-disordered patient. Am J Otolaryngol. 1996;17(2):144-152.
[9] Hall CD, Herdman SJ. Reliability of the Romberg test as an indicator of balance dysfunction in vestibular disorders. J Vestib Res. 2006;16(4-5):169-175.
[10] Furman JM, Cass SP. Balance disorders: a comprehensive overview of clinical evaluation and management. Neurol Clin. 2003;21(3):785-805.
[11] Black FO, Nashner LM. Postural control in older adults: sensory and motor contributions. Geriatrics. 1984;39(12):67-78.
[12] Horak FB, Shupert CL, Mirka A. Components of postural dyscontrol in the elderly: a review. Neurobiol Aging. 1989;10(6):727-738.
[13] Yardley L, Gardner M, Bronstein A, et al. Interference between postural control and mental task performance in patients with vestibular disorder and healthy controls. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2001;71(1):48-52.