Unterberger test
SynonymsUnterberger's test and Unterberger's stepping test
Purposeassess vestibular pathology

The Unterberger test, also Unterberger's test and Unterberger's stepping test, is a test used in otolaryngology to help assess whether a patient has a vestibular pathology.[1] It is not useful for detecting central (brain) disorders of balance.[2]

Technique

The patient is asked to walk in place with their eyes closed.

Interpretation

If the patient rotates to one side they may have a labyrinthine lesion on that side[citation needed], but this test should not be used to diagnose lesions without the support of other tests.

References

  1. ^ Issing; Klein, P. .; Weiser, M. . (2005). "The homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel versus Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of vertigo in an elderly population: a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial". Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 11 (1): 155–160. doi:10.1089/acm.2005.11.155. PMID 15750375.
  2. ^ Kuipers-Upmeijer, J; Oosterhuis, HJ (1994). "Unterberger's test not useful in testing of vesitibular function". Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde. 138 (3): 136–9. PMID 8295639.



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