head impulse

Indications

• evaluation of acute, persistent vertigo

Procedure

• patient focuses on examiner
• examiner slowly moves head in either direction about 20 degrees
• examiner then rotates head rapidly back to midline
• patient is observed for 'catch-up' saccades

Interpretation

• 'catch-up' saccades consistent with peripheral vertigo
• absence of 'catch-up' saccades consistent with central vertigo

More general terms

• maneuver

Component of

• head impulse, nystagmus & test of skew (HINTS)