What test is commonly used to diagnose BPPV?

The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is commonly used to diagnose Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) because it specifically tests for changes in eye movements that are characteristic of this condition. During the maneuver, the patient is rapidly moved from a sitting position to a supine position with the head turned to one side. This position triggers the symptoms of BPPV if present, leading to observable nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) and vertigo that typically lasts less than a minute. The response of the eyes provides important diagnostic information that confirms the presence of BPPV.

Other tests listed, like balance assessment, may provide general information about a person's overall balance and vestibular function but do not specifically diagnose BPPV. The cold caloric test assesses the ability of the vestibular system to respond to temperature changes in the ear and is not specific to diagnosing BPPV. Vestibular evoked potential tests measure the response of the brain to auditory stimuli rather than positional changes and are also not specific for diagnosing BPPV. Therefore, the Dix-Hallpike maneuver stands out as the standard diagnostic method for this particular condition due to its direct evaluation of the vertiginous response associated with positional changes