Head Impulse
HI
Description
"Head Impulse" test checks how well your eyes and inner ear work together to stabilize vision during quick movements. You’ll focus on a fixed point while your doctor moves your head rapidly in different directions. If your eyes don’t adjust properly, it may signal vestibular nerve problems or balance system dysfunction. This test is commonly used for people with vertigo, blurry vision during motion, or unsteadiness. Results help guide therapy, treatment adjustments, or further vestibular assessment.
Test Category
Ear Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Assess
Test Group
Vestibular and Auditory Assessment Group
Test Group Description
Vestibular and Auditory Assessment Group: Tests in this group assess the function of the vestibular system and auditory pathways, aiding in the diagnosis of balance and hearing disorders.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Ataxias (Disorders affecting coordination and balance)
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (Common inner ear disorder causing brief episodes of dizziness)
Cerebellar degeneration (Degenerative disorder affecting the cerebellum)
Labyrinthitis (Inner ear inflammation)
Meniere's disease (Disorder of the inner ear causing vertigo, hearing lo...
Key Reasons For Testing
Vestibular Function Evaluation: The head impulse test assesses the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), crucial for maintaining gaze stability during head movements.
Diagnosis of Vestibular Disorders: Identifies conditions like vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and Meniere's disease by evaluating VOR integrity.
Peripheral vs. Central Differentiation: Differentiates peripheral disorders (e.g., vestibular neuritis) from central causes (e.g., cerebellar strokes)...
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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[10] McCaslin DL, Jacobson GP, Bennett ML, Gruenwald JM, Green J. Predictive properties of the video head-impulse test: vestibular loss, caloric response, and rotary chair. J Am Acad Audiol. 2014;25(8):798-805.
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