Video head impulse testing
The video-head-impulse test (vHIT) provides a functional assessment of all six semicircular canals (SCC).
Vestibular testing at varying frequencies provides deeper insights into hVOR function and is helpful in detecting a cerebello-pontine lesion. Whereas caloric test yields a high sensitivity for nerve dysfunction, vHIT test reveals a remaining function of hVOR in the high-frequency range 1).
Dizziness is a frequent complaint in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). An abnormal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) can explain this dizziness in patients with VS. The video Head impulse test (vHIT) offers a chance to describe specifically the VOR findings in such patients 2)
Caloric testing and video head impulse testing (vHIT) both effectively assess vestibular function for patients with Vestibular Schwannoma (VS) and correlate to tumor size. These findings are important as vHIT has a lower overall cost, improved patient tolerance, and demonstrated reliability 3).
Although there was a statistically significant relationship between the results of the vHIT and the caloric test, the limited strength of this relationship suggests that, for unilateral vestibular schwannoma (UVS), caloric testing and vHIT may provide complementary information on vestibular function 4).
Unexplained vHIT and VEMP asymmetry should alert otologists and neurologists to undertake imaging in patients presenting with non-specific disequilibrium or vertigo. 5).