Video head impulse test measures the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and is one of the key protocols to test the
semi circular canal (SCC) function in peripheral vestibular system, motor nuclei in the brainstem, and extraocular
muscles. vHIT reveals vestibular hypofunction via measured gain reduction and the presence of covert
or overt saccades. vHIT yields quick, objective results with increased sensitivity.
In the standard vHIT, the patient is required to stare at an earth-fixed target during the head impulse while the
head is in motion. If their VOR is adequate, the will be able to stare at the target without any issues. In patients
with vestibular dysfunction, when the head moves, the eyes will move with the head, requiring a corrective
movement back to the target (known as a “catch-up saccade”).
The BalanceEye vHIT records the response of both eye in response to high velocity head movement in any of the canal planes. Understanding of semicircular canal connections to eyes has lead to the realization that the
response of the two eyes to the stimulation of same canal is different. This opens a unique opportunity to
identify site of pathology in difficult scenarios and unmask central pathologies. Propriety design ensures that the head need not be taken into extreme unphysiological positions for stimulating canal planes.