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

More general terms

• clinical procedure