Which of the following is used to diagnose Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?

The Hallpike manoeuvre is a key diagnostic test for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This test is specifically designed to provoke the characteristic vertigo experienced by individuals with BPPV. It involves moving the patient from a sitting to a supine position with the head turned to one side, allowing for the assessment of eye movements known as nystagmus, which occur during the maneuver. The presence of certain patterns of nystagmus during this test can confirm a diagnosis of BPPV, as it is linked to the displacement of otoliths in the inner ear, leading to the positional vertigo symptoms.

While other tests like the Romberg test can assess balance and the Fukuda test evaluates postural stability, they do not specifically target the diagnosis of BPPV. The Dix-Hallpike test is also a diagnostic maneuver for BPPV, often considered a variation of the Hallpike manoeuvre. However, in this context, the Hallpike manoeuvre is typically recognized for its role in eliciting the symptoms associated with BPPV. Thus, understanding the Hallpike manoeuvre's function illuminates its significance in the accurate diagnosis of this condition.