MS Signs vs. Symptoms: What is the Romberg Test?

By Lisa Emrich, Health Guide Friday, January 28, 2011

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"Does a positive Romberg Test mean that I have MS?"

No. The Romberg Test is a non-specific test of neurological dysfunction or inner ear dysfunction which does not indicate a specific condition. However, problems including vertigo, vestibular and cerebellar ataxia, and proprioceptive dysfunction are commonly seen in patients with multiple sclerosis.

"Can the Romberg sign change over time?"

Yes. Your response to the test may vary depending upon what’s going on with your MS at the time. When I’m having a relapse or having a ‘bad day’, I have more difficulty controlling the swaying especially since I can’t feel my feet.

View a video of a patient who is able to successfully pass the Romberg Test.

"What is the dynamic Romberg Test?"

Tandem walking, or heel-toe walking, is known as the dynamic Romberg Test. Tandem walking involves walking along a straight line placing one foot directly in front of the other, heel to toe. Some might call this the “drunken walk” test. In both cerebellar and sensory ataxic disorders, the ability to tandem walk is impaired. A patient may not realize that they compensate for this impairment by walking with their legs farther apart.

RESOURCES:

Romberg Test on mult-sclerosis.org

Romberg Test on neuroexam.com

AJ.Larner. A Dictionary of Neurological Signs. Second Edition. Springer 2006
© 2006, 2001 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.