Hello.
I'm a medical student living in Sweden, currently trying to fully grasp the complete neurological examination. I have, however, encountered a question which I can't find the answer to, and hope that you might help with it.
From what I've read, balance is maintained through input from three sensory systems - vision, vestibular and proprioception. Two out of three of these systems need to be intact to maintain balance. Most sources claim that Rombergs test is not a test of cerebellar function, but rather proprioception as a tendency to fall with eyes closed indicate that either vestibular or proprioceptive dysfunction (Romberg's test - Wikipedia). What I dont understand, is how you can tell that a positive Rombergs is due to a proprioceptive dysfunction rather than a vestibular dysfunction. The best explaination I've read is that the test is nonspecific and could indicate either vestibular-, proprioceptive- or cerebellar dysfunction, or even a combination (Romberg's Test - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics.) This is however not mentioned anywhere else, at least not to my knowledge.
Could anyone of you help me understand this better?
Thanks!
I'm a medical student living in Sweden, currently trying to fully grasp the complete neurological examination. I have, however, encountered a question which I can't find the answer to, and hope that you might help with it.
From what I've read, balance is maintained through input from three sensory systems - vision, vestibular and proprioception. Two out of three of these systems need to be intact to maintain balance. Most sources claim that Rombergs test is not a test of cerebellar function, but rather proprioception as a tendency to fall with eyes closed indicate that either vestibular or proprioceptive dysfunction (Romberg's test - Wikipedia). What I dont understand, is how you can tell that a positive Rombergs is due to a proprioceptive dysfunction rather than a vestibular dysfunction. The best explaination I've read is that the test is nonspecific and could indicate either vestibular-, proprioceptive- or cerebellar dysfunction, or even a combination (Romberg's Test - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics.) This is however not mentioned anywhere else, at least not to my knowledge.
Could anyone of you help me understand this better?
Thanks!