CENTRAL SIGNS/VERTIGO TESTS

Question 1

CONVERGENCE/DIVERGENCE TEST

Answer 1

checking oculomotor nerve and for central signs
ask if object is blurry or double when moving close to face (normal = 3 inches away, abnormal >3 inches away). central pathology

Question 2

SMOOTH PURSUIT TEST

Answer 2

following finger/pen in all planes. abnormal = saccadic interruptions. central pathology

Question 3

OCULAR ROM

Answer 3

similar to smooth pursuit, but assessing how far a pt’s eyes can move

Question 4

ECCENTRIC GAZE HOLDING

Answer 4

looking for nystagmus when fixating on a target (central sign) at end range

Question 5

SACCADES TEST

Answer 5

alternating between looking at tip of nose and finger.. assessing pt’s ability to refixate on another target (no over/undershooting and the speed [if slow]. central pathology.

Question 6

HEAD THRUST TEST

Answer 6

Assess VOR, screen neck first, perform occassional and random low amplitude and fast speed head movements, hold at the end of the thrust to check for refixation saccade. looking at peripheral pathology