The Dix-Hallpike maneuver, also known as the Hallpike maneuver, is a test that physical therapists (PTs) use to diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is a common inner ear disorder that causes sudden spinning sensations (vertigo) when you move your head into certain positions.
Here is a summary of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver for posterior canal BPPV:
- Position: The patient sits upright on an examination table with their legs extended.
- Rotation: The PT rotates the patient's head 45° to one side.
- Laying back: The PT quickly lays the patient back down with their head hanging off the edge of the table. The patient's neck should be extended approximately 20° below the horizontal plane.
- Observation: The PT observes the patient's eyes for nystagmus for 40 seconds.
If the patient experiences vertigo and nystagmus that is worse when their head is turned to one side and their eyes are looking in the opposite direction, this is a positive Dix-Hallpike test and suggests that they have posterior canal BPPV.
