Dix–Hallpike test

Dix–Hallpike test
Diagnostics
ICD-9-CM 95.46

The Dix–Hallpike test[1] — or Nylen–Barany test — is a diagnostic maneuver used to identify benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

The test procedure

When performing the Dix-Hallpike test, patients are lowered quickly to a supine position, with the neck extended by the clinician performing the maneuver. For some patients, this maneuver may not be indicated, and a modification may be needed that also targets the posterior semicircular canal. Such patients include those who are too anxious about eliciting the uncomfortable symptoms of vertigo, and those who may not have the range of motion necessary to comfortably be in a supine position. The modification involves the patient moving from a seated position to side-lying without their head extending off the examination table, such as with Dix-Hallpike. The head is rotated 45 degrees away from the side being tested, and the eyes are examined for nystagmus. A positive test is indicated by patient report of a reproduction of vertigo and clinician observation of nystagmus. Both the Dix-Hallpike and the side-lying testing position have yielded similar results, and as such the side-lying position can be used if the Dix-Hallpike cannot be performed easily.[2]

Negative test

If the test is negative, it makes benign positional vertigo a less likely diagnosis and central nervous system involvement should be considered.

Advantages

Although there are alternative methods to administering the test, Cohen proposes advantages to the classic maneuver. The test can be easily administered by a single examiner, which prevents the need for external aid. Due to the position of the subject and the examiner, nystagmus, if present, can be observed directly by the examiner.[2]

Limitations

The negative predictive value of this test is not 100%. Some patients with a history of BPPV will not have a positive test result. The estimated sensitivity is 79%, along with an estimated specificity of 75%.

The test may need to be performed more than once as it is not always easy to demonstrate observable nystagmus that is typical of BPPV. The test results can also be affected by the speed the maneuver is done in and the plane the occiput is in.[3]

There are several disadvantages proposed by Cohen for the classic maneuver. Patients may be too tense, for fear of producing vertigo symptoms, which can prevent the necessary brisk passive movements for the test. A subject must have adequate cervical spine range of motion to allow neck extension, as well as trunk and hip range of motion to lie supine. From the previous point, the use of this maneuver can be limited by musculoskeletal and obesity issues in a subject.[2]

Precautions and contraindications

In rare cases a patient may be unable or unwilling to participate in the Dix–Hallpike test due to physical limitations. In these circumstances the side-lying test or other alternative tests may be used.[4]

Precautions

  • The Dix–Hallpike maneuver places a degree of stress on the patient’s lower back therefore a cautious approach must be taken with patients that are suffering from back pain.[5]
  • Severe respiratory or cardiac problems may not allow a patient to tolerate the maneuver. For example a patient with orthopnoea may not be able to participate in the procedure as the patient may have troubling breathing when they lie down.[5]

Absolute contraindications

  1. Neck surgery[5]
  2. Severe rheumatoid arthritis[5]
  3. Atlantoaxial and occipitoatlantal instability[5]
  4. Aplasia of odontoid process[5]
  5. Cervical myelopathy[5]
  6. Cervical radiculopathy[5]
  7. Carotid sinus syncope[5]
  8. Vascular dissection syndromes[5]

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Dix MR, Hallpike CS (1952). "The pathology symptomatology and diagnosis of certain common disorders of the vestibular system" (Scanned & PDF). Proc. R. Soc. Med. 45 (6): 341–54. PMC 1987487Freely accessible. PMID 14941845.
  2. 1 2 3 Cohen, H.S. (2004). "Side-Lying as an Alternative to the Dix-Hallpike Test of the Posterior Canal". Otology & Neurotology. 25: 130–134. doi:10.1097/00129492-200403000-00008. PMID 15021771.
  3. ↑ Bhattari H (2010). "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Present Perspective". Nepalese Journal of ENT Head and Neck Surgery. 1 (2): 28–32.
  4. ↑ Halker B, Barrs D, Wellik K, Wingerchuk D, Demaerschalk B (2008). "Establishing a Diagnosis of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Through the Dix-Hallpike and Side-Lying Maneuvers: A Critically Appraised Topic.". The Neurologist. 14 (3): 201–204. doi:10.1097/NRL.0b013e31816f2820.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Humphriss, Rachel; Baguley D; Sparks V; Peerman S; Mofat D (2003). "Contraindications to the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre : a multidisciplinary review". International Journal of Audiology. 42 (3): 166–173. doi:10.3109/14992020309090426.

External links

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