Vestibular disorders: video head impulse test: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Vestibular disorders: video head impulse test

Sample item

Caloric testing assesses the horizontal canal at very low frequency. Which test records vestibulo-ocular reflex gain for each of the six canals during rapid, high-acceleration head movements?

AElectrocochleographyBVideo head impulse testCRotary chair testDCervical VEMP

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Video head impulse test

The video head impulse test compares eye and head velocity during brief high-frequency head thrusts in the plane of each canal, giving the gain and catch-up saccades for individual canals. Rotary chair testing assesses both labyrinths together at low to mid frequencies. cVEMP tests the saccule, and electrocochleography records cochlear potentials.

Option by option

A. Electrocochleography
Electrocochleography records cochlear summating and action potentials and says nothing about the canals.
B. Video head impulse test (correct)
Correct. vHIT measures high-frequency VOR gain canal by canal.
C. Rotary chair test
Rotary chair testing stimulates both labyrinths together and does not isolate each canal.
D. Cervical VEMP
Cervical VEMP tests saccular and inferior vestibular nerve function.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Video head impulse test. The video head impulse test compares eye and head velocity during brief high-frequency head thrusts in the plane of each canal, giving the gain and catch-up saccades for individual canals.

Why is "Electrocochleography" not the answer?

Electrocochleography records cochlear summating and action potentials and says nothing about the canals.

Why is "Rotary chair test" not the answer?

Rotary chair testing stimulates both labyrinths together and does not isolate each canal.

Why is "Cervical VEMP" not the answer?

Cervical VEMP tests saccular and inferior vestibular nerve function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vestibular disorders: video head impulse test in ENT. Rotary chair testing assesses both labyrinths together at low to mid frequencies. cVEMP tests the saccule, and electrocochleography records cochlear potentials.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Vestibular disorders: video head impulse test?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.