Purpose of Hallpike-Dix Test: To determine whether vertigo is triggered by head movements and identify benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) (1-3). Patient position: Sitting with legs extended on the examination table, and the patient’s head is rotated/turned 45 degrees toward the ear to be tested. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient on the head side, while the patient is in a long sitting position on … Continue reading Hallpike-Dix Test
Purpose of Valsalva Test for cervical/lumbar Spine: To determine if there are neurologic symptoms related to radiculopathy (pain, muscle weakness, numbness and/or tingling that spreads distally in the limbs) when the patient inhales, holds the breath and bears down (strains) as if trying to have a bowel movement (1). Patient position: Standing or sitting upright with back unsupported. Examiner position: Standing beside the patient. Procedure: The … Continue reading Valsalva Test for cervical/lumbar Spine
Purpose of Bikele’s Sign : To determine if there are neurologic symptoms when the arm is abducted, laterally rotated and elbow is extended. Patient position: Sitting upright with back unsupported and with arms beside the trunk. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient. Procedure: This test is performed in two steps: (1) The patient raises the arm sideways up to 90 degrees with the elbow fully … Continue reading Bikele’s Sign
Purpose of Brachial Plexus Tension Test: To determine if there are neurologic symptoms when the arms are abducted and laterally rotated. Patient position: Sitting upright with back unsupported and with arms beside the trunk. Examiner position: Standing behind the patient. Procedure: This test is performed in a few steps: (1) The patient raises both arms sideways and then externally rotates the arms until neurologic symptoms … Continue reading Brachial Plexus Tension Test
Purpose of Brachial plexus compression test: To determine if applying direct compression to the brachial plexus causes radiating symptoms, suggesting mechanically elicitable cervical spine lesions. Patient position: Sitting upright or lying supine. Examiner position: Standing behind while the patient is sitting; Standing on the head side while the patient is lying supine. Procedure: Apply compression directly on the brachial plexus using the fingers or thumb. Outcome: The test … Continue reading Brachial Plexus Compression Test
