The Video Head Impulse Test in a Case of Suspected Bilateral Loss of Vestibular Function

ABSTRACT

Introduction A patient who had no symptoms suggestive of bilateral loss of vestibular function presented no responses in rotational and caloric tests. Objectives To demonstrate the importance of the video head impulse test in neurootologic diagnosis. Resumed Report This patient had a neuro-otologic evaluation and presented no responses in torsion swing tests, caloric tests, and rotational tests in a Bárány chair. The video head impulse test elicited responses in four of the six semicircular canals. Conclusion Absent responses in caloric and rotatory tests alone are not sufficient to diagnose bilateral loss of vestibular function.