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Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance
Indications:
- balance disorder
- test is used to distinguish which sensory system is implicated in a balance disorder
Procedure:
- standing on a hard floor with eyes open uses all 3 systems* used in sensing balance
- ability to stand on hard surface with eyes closed excludes visual impairment as a cause of balance disorder
- ability to stand on a foam mat with eyes open excludes a somatosensory disorder as a ause of balance disorder
- inability to stand on a foam mat with eyes closed confirms a vestibilar disorder as a ause of balance disorder
- Dix-Hallpike maneuver further documents vestibilar disorder
* visual system, vestibular system, somatosensory system
General
clinical procedure
References
- Geriatric Review Syllabus, 9th edition (GRS9)
Medinal-Walpole A, Pacala JT, Porter JF (eds)
American Geriatrics Society, 2016