cervical, cervical spine, dizziness, facial numbness, neck, nystagmus, spine, VA, VBI, vertebral artery, vertebral artery insufficiency

Purpose

A test to assess the blood flow of the Vertebral Artery (VA).

Technique

Patient is positioned in supine with head off the table.

Clinician holds the patient’s head.

Clinician asks the patient to keep his eyes open then the Clinician takes the patient’s head into extension and ipsilateral rotation and side bending. Clinician is testing the VA on the contralateral side he is rotating and sidebending to.

Clinician asks the patient to count backwards from 20 with his eyes open looking for symptoms of VA insufficiency.

Clinician repeats the procedure on the other side.

Positive

The production of Vertebral Artery insufficiency symptoms such as: nystagmus, facial numbness, dizziness, diplopia, or changes in speech.

Interpretation

A positive test indicates an occlusion of the Vertebral Artery.

References

1. Dutton, M. (2008). Orthopaedic: Examination, evaluation, and intervention (2nd ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Related videos:

1. BPPV – Side-lying Test
2. BPPV – Side-lying Test with Assistance
3. BPPV – Roll Test
4. BPPV – Dix-Hallpike Maneuver
5. Spurling’s Test