What does Romberg's sign test assess?

Romberg's sign test is specifically designed to assess a person's balance, particularly in situations where visual input is minimized. During the test, an individual stands with their feet together and eyes closed. This setup challenges the proprioceptive system, which relies on sensory feedback from the body to maintain balance. The test evaluates how well a person can maintain stability without the aid of visual cues, which is crucial in diagnosing certain neurological conditions.

When the eyes are closed, the brain must rely on the vestibular and somatosensory systems to keep the body oriented and balanced. Difficulty maintaining balance in this position may indicate problems with these systems, often associated with conditions affecting the cerebellum or proprioceptive pathways. Therefore, the primary purpose of Romberg's sign is to assess balance and coordination rather than aspects like visual acuity, muscle strength, or hearing, making it clear why it effectively identifies balance issues rather than other physical capabilities.