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Romberg test
System: Neurological Signs · All neurological signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
The patient stands with feet together, first with eyes open and then closed; marked swaying or a fall with the eyes closed is a positive result.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with loss of proprioception (dorsal column disease) or vestibular dysfunction, rather than cerebellar disease.
◈ Behind the name
Moritz Heinrich Romberg (1795–1873), German neurologist, often called the founder of clinical neurology.
Related signs — Neurological Signs
Browse the R section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.