Unterberger test

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. It is not useful for detecting central disorders of balance.

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, but this test should not be used to diagnose lesions without the support of other tests.