National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What examination technique involves moving a patient backward while in a long-sitting position with their head extended backward?

1. Dix Hallpike test

2. Rotenberg maneuver

3. Epley maneuver

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Dix Hallpike test

The examination technique involving moving a patient backward while in a long-sitting position with their head extended backward is the Dix-Hallpike test. This test is primarily used to identify BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), particularly involving the posterior semicircular canal. During the test, the patient starts in a sitting position, and the examiner quickly moves them into a supine position with the head turned to one side and slightly extended over the edge of the examination table. This position is designed to provoke symptoms of vertigo if BPPV is present, as it can stimulate the affected semicircular canal with gravity's influence on dislodged otoconia. The careful positioning and movement involved in the Dix-Hallpike test are crucial for diagnosing specific types of vertigo. The test allows healthcare providers to observe the patient's eye movements, known as nystagmus, which helps confirm the diagnosis of BPPV.