Liikumatutest

Liikumatutest, also known as the Romberg test, is a clinical assessment used to evaluate a person’s balance and proprioception, which is the sense of body position. The test is commonly performed by healthcare professionals to help identify neurological deficits or sensory ataxia.

The procedure involves the patient standing upright with feet together and arms at their sides. Initially, the patient is asked to focus on a fixed point, and then to close their eyes. During this process, the clinician observes the patient's ability to maintain stability. A positive liikumatutest indicates difficulty maintaining balance when visual input is removed, suggesting potential issues with proprioception or neurological function.

The test is particularly useful in differentiating between various causes of ataxia. If a person can maintain balance with eyes open but sways or falls with eyes closed, it typically points to proprioceptive deficits. Conversely, if balance is compromised regardless of whether the eyes are open or closed, it may suggest cerebellar dysfunction.

Liikumatutest is a simple, non-invasive, and quick screening tool used in neurological examinations. It is often combined with other assessments to provide a comprehensive evaluation of sensory and motor function. While it is primarily a screening test, its findings can guide further diagnostic investigations and management strategies for conditions affecting the nervous system.