Lesson 4: Head Thrust Test - Head Impulse Test

Instructions:

Head Thrust Test (peripheral): Grasp the patients head firmly with both hands with the patients head tilted down 0-30 degrees. Instruct the patient to look at your nose and keep their neck relaxed as you move their head slowly from side to side. Advise them that you will be moving their head very quickly through a small range.  Maintain the head position after the thrust. Note the direction of any corrective saccades. If negative have the patient look at a distant target. Ensure the thrusts are unpredictable.