Dix-Hallpike test for vertigo

Illustration copyright 2004 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

In this test, the person is seated. The health professional lowers the person’s head to the table and turns the head to one side. The health professional watches the person’s eyes for nystagmus, which is a rapid, rhythmic movement of the eyes. If the person gets dizzy and exhibits nystagmus, the ear pointed to the floor is the affected ear. If nystagmus is not seen, the health professional will repeat the test on the other side to check the other ear. The person is then moved back to the upright position. The timing of the onset of dizziness helps the health professional locate the cause of the dizziness or vertigo.