The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is used to diagnose which condition?

• A. Lateral canal BPPV
• B. Posterior canal BPPV
• C. Superior canal dehiscence
• D. Meniere disease

Answer: (B)

The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is designed to identify BPPV affecting the posterior semicircular canal. By quickly moving the head and body into a dependent, rotated position, any free-floating otoconia in that canal are moved by gravity into a position where they stimulate the canal. If the posterior canal is involved, this produces a brief spell of vertigo accompanied by a characteristic nystagmus — upbeating with a torsional component toward the tested ear. This specific pattern helps distinguish posterior canal BPPV from other vestibular conditions, such as lateral canal BPPV (usually tested with a different maneuver), superior canal dehiscence (diagnosed with imaging and specific tests), or Meniere disease (recurrent vertigo with fluctuating hearing loss rather than a reproducible positional nystagmus).