Comparision Of Clinical Vestibular Evaluation And Video Head Impulse Test In Detection Of Semicircular Canal Dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction: Bedside Head Impulse Test (HIT) is a very useful test in detecting nystagmus in semicircular canal dysfunction. The direction of nystagmus will lead to the identification of the affected semicircular canal. However, this clinical test has limitations as some saccadic eye movements can be missed clinically. Video Head Impulse Test (VHIT) provides objective, quantitative data and it helps to assess vestibular function with speed and accuracy.

Methodology: Clinical history , otoscopic examination and vestibular evaluation were performed for 61 patients in a tertiary care hospital, and the results were recorded. VHIT was conducted and the results were recorded ;comparison was done between bedside HIT and VHIT results.

Results: The mean Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) gain was 0.67. The sensitivity of VHIT was 91.3% and accuracy was 81.97% with positive predictive value and negative predictive value 85.7% and 66.6% ,respectively.

Conclusion:

vHIT detects dysfunction of individual semicircular canals and also in patients with clinically normal vestibular evaluation. It is also non-invasive, easy to use and practice in clinics.