Lateral Head Roll

16 February 2022
10 mins
Reading

What is the Lateral Head Roll test?

The Lateral Head Roll test is performed to identify horizontal canal BPPV. It has 2 additional features that provide significant improvements over the standard positional tests:

  • 3D head model guide
  • Guide to assist in proper head placement

The Lateral Head Roll test is part of the VORTEQ Assessment bundle. 

 

Calibration

If you have not previously calibrated your eyes, you must do that first.

 

Performing the test

Select the Lateral Head Roll test from your test menu.

Figure 1 - Lateral Head Roll test menu

Once the system is calibrated, you are ready to begin testing. You will use the 3D Head Model to guide you through the appropriate head/body positions for the Lateral Head Roll test. Make sure the VORTEQ IMU is attached to the goggle and turned on. The test is performed with the patient Supine (laying down).

  1. Step 1 is to turn the patient’s head 45 degrees toward the Right.
  2. Step 2 is to turn the patient’s head 45 degrees toward the Left.

The black bar represents the head movement, and when the head is in the correct position, the shaded area will turn green. Once you have reached the first position, you can record for a minimum of 20 seconds, then press enter and proceed to the second step. Record another 20 seconds at minimum and then stop the test.

Figure 2 - Using the head model guide to perform the lateral head roll test

 

Results

When you have completed the test, you will see a summary screen with bar graphs representing any nystagmus that was generated during the maneuver. Any nystagmus greater than 6 deg/sec is shown highlighted in grey and represents an abnormal finding.

Abnormal lateral head roll results in the horizontal direction. Right beating nystagmus with an average slow phase velocity of 24. Left beating nystagmus with an average slow phase velocity of 37.

Figure 3 - Summary screen showing results from the right and left head rolls

For further assistance, if needed, please refer to the Instructions for Use and Additional Information manuals.


Presenter

Michelle Petrak
Michelle Petrak, Ph.D., is the Director of Clinical Audiology and Vestibular Research for Interacoustics. Her primary role is development and clinical validation of new technologies in the vestibular and balance areas. She is located in Chicago where she is a licensed private practice clinical audiologist at Northwest Speech and Hearing (NWSPH). Dr. Petrak received her doctorates in Electrophysiology (1992) and Biomolecular Electronics (1994) from Wayne State University and her Masters in Audiology in 1989. Her special areas of expertise include vestibular and balance assessments and management of the dizzy patient. Dr. Petrak is involved with new innovative product developments, clinical evaluations of new protocols, and publishing, teaching, and training on the management of patients with dizziness. She continues to lecture extensively nationally and internationally, and she has numerous articles published in the hearing industry journals. She also participates on the committees for several doctoral students as support for the research projects.

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