fejimpulzustesztre

Fejimpulzustesztre is a term used in neurology and otoneurology to denote the head impulse test, a bedside examination of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). The test assesses how the eyes move in response to rapid, unexpected head movements, with the patient asked to focus on a fixed target. It helps determine whether the reflex pathways from the inner ear to the eye are functioning properly.

The name combines Hungarian roots for head (fej), impulse (impulzus), and test (teszt), reflecting its purpose as a quick functional assessment. In practice, clinicians perform a series of quick, small head thrusts with the patient’s head slightly angled, watching for the presence or absence of compensatory eye movements called saccades. A normal VOR results in stable gaze with minimal corrective saccades, while a deficient VOR produces catch-up saccades.

There are two common implementations: the traditional bedside head impulse test (HIT) and the video head impulse test (vHIT). The vHIT uses infrared video goggles to quantify eye movements and calculate VOR gain, providing objective data. These approaches are complementary; HIT is simple and rapid, whereas vHIT offers more detailed, reproducible measurements.

Clinical use centers on evaluating acute vertigo or dizziness to distinguish peripheral vestibular disorders (such as vestibular neuritis) from central causes. Limitations include user skill, patient cooperation, and potential false negatives in certain stages of illness. Fejimpulzustesztre remains a fundamental tool in bedside neuro-otology, often guiding further testing and management.