Summary

What it measures:

The passive Head-Shaking Nystagmus test (pHSN) assesses for latent spontaneous vestibular nystagmus through rapid, passive, head shaking around a vertical axis for the detection of vestibulopathies in dizzy patients. An active head-shaking nystagmus test in which the patient induces the movement is also occasionally used to elicit nystagmus and evaluate for vestibulopathies. (4) This review is for the passive Head-Shaking Nystagmus test only.

Target Population:

This summary contains information on use of the passive Head-Shaking Nystagmus test in patients with dizziness for the detection of vestibulopathy.  

This test is not recommended for detection of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or other vestibular disorders, and has been identified to have limited use for peripheral and central vestibular diagnoses by the American Physical Therapy Association, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, Vestibular Taskforce (VEDGE). More information is available here.