Video Head Impulse Test

vHIT, testing each semicircular canal with quick head turns

Overview

The video head impulse test measures the vestibulo ocular reflex by having the examiner make small, fast, unpredictable head turns while the patient fixes their gaze on a target and lightweight goggles record eye movements. A healthy reflex keeps the eyes on target; a weak one forces a catch up saccade. Because each of the six semicircular canals can be tested separately, it localizes deficits precisely, and it is quick and well tolerated. It developed from the bedside head impulse test described by Halmagyi and Curthoys in 1988.