Testing for Station
How to Assess
- Ask the patient to stand still with their heels together.
Abnormal If
- Loss of balance.
Causes of Loss of Station
- Visual abnormalities (10%)
- Loss of proprioception (70%)
- Vestibular pathology (20%)
Romberg Test
How to Perform
- Ask the patient to stand still with their heels together. Ask them to close their eyes and stand still for thirty seconds. Stand by to ensure that they do no fall over.
Abnormal If
- Loss of balance.
Significance
- Asking the patient to close their eyes and stand still eliminates visual and vestibular pathology, making loss of proprioception the most likely pathology.
Overview
Exaggerated swaying may be an indicator of somatization or conversion disorder.
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