Hi Lisa,
I've done this test several times and almost fell backwards once. I thought I was rocking forward and jumped back to keep from falling and had to be held up by the doctor. Strange that I would do so bad on this one but be able to do most of the "field sobriety tests" the neurologists put me through with no problem. (Like closing eyes and touching my nose with the tip of my finger.)
Thanks for presenting these posts on signs and symptoms. This is really helpful in understanding what the doctors are doing and what they are looking for.
Take care,
KJ (still undiagnosed but doing ok)
The Romberg test can improve with treatment. See this video that was entereded into the 2011 Neuro film festival. This is a true story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laytaQMuICw
Not all patients get this great response. Many get some positive results immediately.
We are currently studing this treatment at Samuel Merritt University and San Francisco State in California.
We are starting to train therapists in this procedure across the US.
Cindy
Hi KJ,
I'm so glad to hear that you are doing ok. Like you, the first time I did this test, I was falling backwards into the neurologist's hands. I wondered why he shoved me. ;)
During my neuro exam, I get a lot of "hmmm" and "hmmm". Discussion of any changes comes next. But I am enjoying learning about what the various tests are testing. Always trying to look at things from the doctor's point of view I suppose.
Sorry that you still have no firm diagnosis. But I'm very glad to see you here again.
Lisa,
Thanks for this very informative post. My last appt with my neurologist was when they told me I likely had spinal MS because of spasms I have in my legs. I was diagnosed 3 years ago and have only ever had an MRI of my brain. I learn a little more about my true condition every time I go to the doctor. Thankfully, my medication (Tegretol) controls the spasms very well and my disease has not progressed much. Like you, I also never close my eyes when I shower to avoid falling. I do occasionally have to remind people that I haven't had anything to drink, even though I seem a little off balance. People who know about my condition are very understanding.
Thanks again for all your valuable information that you share.
Kelli
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Lisa, I love these posts about the different neuro exams and tests. Quite right though, that on a good day I can feel my feet and sometimes even walk like a real person. Everyone should keep that in mind, that none of our reactions will probably be the same from one day to the next, much less one hour to the next! I can be perfectly okay, and then something will stress me, and I am all elbows and you-know-what! It can be very discouraging, but we all need to plug on and have faith that a cure will be found, it will!
Thanks so much! It is strange, but eventually we do get used to the little rollercoaster of MS symptoms. We learn to move forward. :)