Word parts
What it means
The body's position sense. Sensors in the muscles, tendons and joints send signals to the brain about the position and movement of each part, which lets a person walk in the dark or touch their nose with the eyes closed. It can be lost with nerve damage from diabetes, a lack of vitamin B12, spinal cord injury or stroke, and its loss makes falls more likely.
For the nurse
To test it, have the client close the eyes while you move a finger or big toe up or down, holding it by the sides, and ask which way it moved. Teach a client with poor position sense to use night lights and to watch the feet when walking.
Related terms
neuropathy
Damage to or disease of one or more nerves, most often the nerves of the hands and feet.
Romberg test
A balance test in which the person stands with feet together and arms at the sides, first with eyes open and then with eyes closed.