Does the Romberg test assess cerebellar function?

• A. No, it tests proprioception
• B. Yes, it tests cerebellar function
• C. It tests motor strength
• D. It tests visual acuity

Answer: (A)

The Romberg test is a probe of proprioceptive (sensory) input for balance. By asking a person to stand with feet together and eyes closed, you remove visual input and rely on the body's sense of where it is in space. If proprioception is functioning well, balance is maintained; if there’s a dorsal column or sensory deficit, the person sways or loses balance when vision is gone. This makes a positive Romberg indicative of sensory ataxia rather than a problem with coordination from the cerebellum. Cerebellar dysfunction, in contrast, disrupts coordination in a way that is not compensated by closing the eyes, so it would typically still show ataxia even with the eyes open. Thus, the test best reflects proprioception, not cerebellar function.