Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre

Background

• Clinical diagnostic test for diagnosing BPPV as a cause of vertigo

Procedure

• Patient sits upright and rotates head 45° toward the ear being tested
• Patient lays back quickly with head hanging off examination table, neck extended about 20° while maintaining the head rotation at 45°
• Hold position for 30 seconds and observe for nystagmus
  • Torsional an up-beating in posterior canal BPPV
• If positive, may be followed by the Epley manoeuvre to relieve symptoms