Episode Summary
Learn how clinicians spot vestibular dysfunction through walking, balance, posture, and positional testing, while distinguishing peripheral causes from central warning signs. You’ll also discover how simple assessments like Dix-Hallpike, step testing, and foam balance tasks reveal dizziness patterns and falls risk.
Assessment of vestibular dysfunction begins with observing everyday movement and balance. Learners are shown how to examine gait, turning, bending, reaching, standing from a chair, and postural patterns such as neck stiffness, raised shoulders, broad-based walking, or visual fixation used to compensate for poor balance. The summary also explains simple balance tests, including standing with eyes open or closed, single-leg stance, the Step Test, and foam-pad testing to reduce proprioceptive input and reveal vestibular sway patterns.
A major focus is positional vertigo testing. The Dix-Hallpike test is outlined in detail for posterior canal BPPV, including the expected delay, dizziness, and characteristic upbeat torsional nystagmus. Lateral canal BPPV testing is also covered, with explanation of geotropic versus apogeotropic horizontal nystagmus and how side-to-side differences help identify the affected ear.
The transcript also reviews how to interpret findings across head shake, head impulse, dynamic visual acuity, and balance tests, while distinguishing peripheral vestibular problems from central neurological signs. It finishes with outcome measurement, emphasizing reassessment, functional testing, and selective use of questionnaires such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory.
