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Why Positive Head Impulse Test Causes Stir Among Professionals

2025-06-05 12:37:25 hj2008mt

So, the PHIT topic has really caught healthcare professionals' attention. This test checks out the neck's power and flexibility, especially when it comes to fast movements. And guess what? It can reveal some amazing information about what's going on. Understanding why someone gets this test can really help with understanding what's up with their neck or head.

Number one, we got Cervical Dystonia.

Next up, we've got Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV.

Third on our list is Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI.

Next, we're talking Neurodegenerative Diseases.

And finally, we've got Whiplash Injuries.

positive head impulse test causes

Number one, we got Cervical Dystonia.

Neck Disorder is a big player in this test. It's a kind of neck disorder that's pretty common. This disorder makes the neck muscles all twisted up, causing the head to move funny. I've seen it, the PT and Botox can really help ease things up for people with this.

positive head impulse test causes

Next up, we've got Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV.

BPPV is a problem with the inner ear that's often behind this test. It happens when those little calcium crystals in our ears get out of place.

I had a client who was dizzy whenever she moved her head. We did the PHIT and figured out it was BPPV. Used this Epley maneuver to get those crystals back in place, and it made a big difference.

positive head impulse test causes

Third on our list is Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI.

After someone gets a brain injury, they might have trouble moving their neck. This test can really identify those issues and help with figuring out care. I had a patient who got hurt in a car crash and they felt a lot better after some physical therapy. Their neck moved better and the vertigo went down.

positive head impulse test causes

Next, we're talking Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Conditions like Parkinson's disease disease and MS can be evident in this test too. They mess with the brain and spine, making muscles rigid and coordination a pain. I had someone with Parkinson's disease disease who started a medicine and their neck movements got way better.

positive head impulse test causes

And finally, we've got Whiplash Injuries.

Whiplash, usually from automobile accidents, can damage the neck and neck bad. The test can detect those injuries and help decide on care, like physical therapy or seeing a chiropractor. I've seen folks get some comfort after a good care that took care of both their physical aspects and their emotional well-being.

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