Romberg's Test

Romberg's Test also known as Romberg Manoeuvre is a clinical assessment used to evaluate a patient's balance and proprioception, which is the sense of body position and movement. The test primarily helps to distinguish between sensory and cerebellar ataxia, aiding in the diagnosis of neurological disorders. To perform the test, the patient is asked to stand upright with their feet together, arms at their sides, and eyes open. After maintaining balance in this position, they are instructed to close their eyes, eliminating visual input and relying on proprioception and vestibular function for balance. A positive Romberg's Test occurs when the patient begins to sway significantly, loses balance, or falls when their eyes are closed. This indicates sensory ataxia, often resulting from issues such as peripheral neuropathy, dorsal column lesions of the spinal cord, or conditions like Vitamin B12 deficiency, syphilis, or multiple sclerosis. In contrast, if the patient struggles to maintain balance with eyes open and closed, it suggests cerebellar ataxia, which stems from dysfunction in the cerebellum. The Romberg's Test is a simple yet effective tool for pinpointing underlying balance issues and distinguishing between sensory and motor impairments. While widely used in neurological and clinical settings, the test’s results should be interpreted in conjunction with other diagnostic assessments to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition.