The head impulse test assesses which reflex?

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Multiple Choice

The head impulse test assesses which reflex?

Explanation:
The head impulse test directly checks gaze stabilization during fast head movements, which is provided by the vestibulo-ocular reflex. When the head is quickly turned while you fixate on a target, a healthy VOR generates eye movements opposite the head movement so the gaze stays on the target. If the VOR is impaired on one side, the eyes will momentarily move with the head and you’ll see a rapid corrective eye movement (a catch-up saccade) to re-fixate. This makes the test a clear probe of the VOR and, by extension, vestibular function. The other options aren’t what this test measures. The gag reflex involves the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves and protects the airway, not gaze stability. The corneal reflex involves trigeminal and facial nerves and blinking in response to corneal touch. The auditory reflex isn’t what the head impulse test evaluates. So, the head impulse test assesses the vestibulo-ocular reflex.

The head impulse test directly checks gaze stabilization during fast head movements, which is provided by the vestibulo-ocular reflex. When the head is quickly turned while you fixate on a target, a healthy VOR generates eye movements opposite the head movement so the gaze stays on the target. If the VOR is impaired on one side, the eyes will momentarily move with the head and you’ll see a rapid corrective eye movement (a catch-up saccade) to re-fixate. This makes the test a clear probe of the VOR and, by extension, vestibular function.

The other options aren’t what this test measures. The gag reflex involves the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves and protects the airway, not gaze stability. The corneal reflex involves trigeminal and facial nerves and blinking in response to corneal touch. The auditory reflex isn’t what the head impulse test evaluates.

So, the head impulse test assesses the vestibulo-ocular reflex.

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