fHIT – Functional Head Impulse Test
⚡ Quick Balance Reflex Test – 5 Minutes!
Functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT) एक rapid bedside test है जो vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) check करता है – यह reflex head movement के दौरान vision stable रखता है। Test में quick head movements करते हैं और eye response observe करते हैं। Abnormal fHIT = vestibular dysfunction (inner ear problem)। Useful for: vertigo diagnosis, vestibular neuritis detection, rehabilitation progress monitoring। Quick, simple, highly informative!
🏥 fHIT Testing – Prime ENT Hardoi!
What is VOR
- Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex
- Stabilizes Vision During Head Movement
- Inner Ear to Eye Muscles
- Fastest Human Reflex
- Essential for Balance
fHIT Test Features
- 5 Minutes Duration
- Bedside Test
- No Equipment Needed
- Highly Sensitive
- Immediate Results
When Used
- Acute Vertigo Cases
- Vestibular Neuritis
- Post-Stroke Dizziness
- Chronic Imbalance
- Rehab Monitoring
Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) क्या है?
VOR एक automatic reflex है जो head movement के दौरान vision को stable रखता है। जब आप head घुमाते हैं, VOR eyes को opposite direction में same speed से move करता है – result: image stable रहती है retina पर।
VOR Pathway:
- 1. Head turns right → Inner ear (right semicircular canal) detects
- 2. Signal → Vestibular nerve → Brainstem
- 3. Reflex → Eye muscles (eyes move left to compensate)
- 4. Result: Vision remains stable!
Time: यह सब 10 milliseconds में होता है – fastest human reflex!
fHIT Test – Functional Head Impulse Test
Procedure:
- Patient sitting, looking at examiner’s nose (fixed target)
- Examiner holds patient’s head
- Quick, small amplitude head turn (10-20°) – unpredictable left/right
- Observe eyes: Do they stay on target?
Normal Response:
- Eyes remain fixed on target during head movement
- VOR working properly
Abnormal Response (Positive fHIT):
- Catch-up saccade: Eyes move with head, then quick refixation jump back to target
- Indicates: Vestibular dysfunction on the side turned toward
Duration: 5 minutes
Clinical Use
1. Acute Vestibular Syndrome:
- Sudden severe vertigo
- fHIT helps differentiate:
- Peripheral (inner ear): Positive fHIT – usually vestibular neuritis
- Central (stroke): Negative fHIT despite vertigo – dangerous! Needs MRI
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation:
- Baseline assessment
- Monitor recovery
- Guide exercises
3. Bilateral Vestibular Loss:
- Both sides positive
- Severe balance problem
📞 Balance Problem? Quick fHIT Test करवाएं!
✓ 5 Minutes ✓ Immediate Results ✓ Expert Assessment ✓ Treatment Planning
Consultation: ₹300-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
आप बैठते हैं, doctor की nose पर focus करते हैं। Doctor आपका head quickly (unpredictably) left/right turn करते हैं। आपकी eyes observe करते हैं – stable रहती हैं या move? 5 minutes। Simple, quick, informative!
Generally नहीं! Quick head movements होती हैं but gentle। अगर vestibular problem है तो slight dizziness trigger हो सकती है briefly। Safe test है।
Positive fHIT means vestibular dysfunction detected – inner ear problem। Cause ho sakta hai: vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Meniere’s। Further testing (VNG) recommended। Treatment plan according to diagnosis।
