[Unterberger's test not useful in testing of vesitibular function].

OBJECTIVE

Quantification of the stepping test in routine neurological examination.

SETTING

University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands.

DESIGN

Prospective, controlled study.

METHODS

The stepping test was assessed in 41 healthy subjects, in 7 subjects with artificially induced vertigo and in 83 patients with disturbances of gait or equilibrium resulting from different affections of the central nervous system. Displacement and rotation to the right or the left side were measured. The different groups were then compared with each other.

RESULTS

We found a great inter- and intra-individual variation in direction and width of rotation and in displacement. The results of the test are not influenced by right(+)-or left(-)-handedness or by dominance of the right or the left leg.

CONCLUSION

The current test does not appear to be useful for detection of abnormalities in the vestibular system or for distinguishing normal individuals from patients.