A Comparison of the Video Head Impulse Test and the Functional Head Impulse Test in Chronic Unilateral Vestibular Loss

Purpose To examine the correlation of the results of the Video Head Impulse test (vHIT), the Functional Head Impulse test (fHIT), and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular loss (CUVL), and to compare the results with healthy controls. Methods 48 patients who were diagnosed with CUVL and 35 healthy individuals aged 18-65 years were included. The vHIT, the fHIT, and the DHI were administered. Results A positive and significant correlation was found between fHIT and vHIT results for the study group in all semicircular canals (p0.05). There was no significant correlation between the DHI and the fHIT and vHIT results (p>0.05). The fHIT and vHIT results of the control group were significantly higher than the results of the study group in all SCC planes (p0.05). Conclusions In CUVL patients, with high head accelerations, fHIT indicates deterioration in VOR functionality. It would be beneficial to include the vHIT and the fHIT in clinical practice as complementary tests in vestibulo-ocular reflex evaluation. © The Author(s), 2023