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Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

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Unterberger-Fukuda

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UF

Description

"Unterberger-Fukuda" test evaluates balance and inner ear function by monitoring how your body moves while marching in place with eyes closed. It’s often used to detect vestibular disorders, especially unilateral ones. During the test, you extend your arms and march in place for 50 steps. If you rotate or drift, it may signal balance system dysfunction. Results help doctors identify vestibular imbalances and guide care, including therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or further neurological evaluations.

"Unterberger-Fukuda" test evaluates balance and inner ear function by monitoring how your body moves while marching in place with eyes closed. It’s often used to detect vestibular disorders, especially unilateral ones. During the test, you extend your arms and march in place for 50 steps. If you rotate or drift, it may signal balance system dysfunction. Results help doctors identify vestibular imbalances and guide care, including therapy, lifestyle adjustments, 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:


  • Acoustic neuroma (Tumor affecting the balance and hearing nerve)

  • Anxiety disorders (Psychological conditions causing dizziness)

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (Episodic dizziness triggered by specific head movements)

  • Brainstem lesions (Issues affecting the brainstem, which controls many vital functions)

  • Cervical spondylosis (Degener...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Vestibular Function Assessment: Evaluates vestibular function, providing insights into balance and spatial orientation.

  • Screening for Vestibular Disorders: Detects vestibular conditions early, aiding in diagnosis.

  • Evaluation of Vertigo: Assesses vertigo and dizziness to determine underlying causes.

  • Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishes between peripheral and central vestibular disorders to guide treatment.

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] Unterberger O. The Walking Test for Function of the Vestibular Apparatus. Arch Ohr Nas Kehlkopfheilkd. 1938;145(3):478-491.

[2] Fukuda T. The Stepping Test: Two Legs Are Better Than One. Acta Otolaryngol. 1959;50(2):95-105.

[3] Halmagyi GM, Curthoys IS. Clinical Testing of Otolith Function. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1999;871(1):195-204.

[4] Brandt T, Dieterich M. Vestibular Syndromes in the Roll Plane: Topographic Diagnosis from the Brainstem to the Cerebral Cortex. Ann Neurol. 1994;36(3):337-347.

[5] Jacobson GP, Newman CW. The Development of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990;116(4):424-427.

[6] Honrubia V, Baloh RW, Harris MR, et al. Quantitative Vestibular Function Testing in the Evaluation of Dizziness and Vertigo. Neurol Clin. 1990;8(2):299-318.

[7] Sargent EW, Goebel JA, Hanson JM. In-Office Vestibular Testing: Utility and Limitations. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2000;33(3):573-596.

[8] Brandt T, Strupp M. General Vestibular Testing in Clinical Practice. J Neurol. 2005;252(5):558-564.

[9] Dieterich M, Brandt T. Functional Brain Imaging of Peripheral and Central Vestibular Disorders. Brain. 2008;131(10):2538-2552.

[10] Furman JM, Cass SP. Balance Disorders: A Clinical and Practical Approach. J Vestib Res. 1999;9(1):43-51.

[11] Clément G, Tilikete C. Sensory-Motor and Cognitive Functions During Earth Gravity and Microgravity Conditions. Front Physiol. 2021;12:640208.

[12] Redfern MS, Yardley L, Bronstein AM. Visual Influences on Balance. J Vestib Res. 2001;11(3):175-190.

[13] Kingma H, van de Berg R. Anatomy, Physiology, and Physics of the Peripheral Vestibular System. Handb Clin Neurol. 2016;137:1-16.

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