[Head impulse test and vibratory test in the diagnosis of vertigo]

One of the most important questions within the field of vertigo-diagnosis is the proof or the exclusion of a vestibular impairment, the spectrum of appropriate diagnostic tools has been expanded by the head impulse test and the vibratory test in the last years. The head impulse test is a method to examine the functionality of single semicircular canals. As clinical "bedside test" it is an already established part of the diagnostic procedures, as an apparative method with registration and quantitative analysis, however, it is available for general in-office use only recently. The vibratory test is a method for provoking non-spontaneous nystagmus. As a basis of a sophisticated vestibular diagnosis the test is less suitable, however, it is an absolutely valuable method to detect peripheral or central vestibular imbalances. In this regard the vibratory test is superior to other methods as for example the head shaking test. In the following article an overview concerning the physiological, methodical, and clinical aspects of the head impulse test and the vibratory test will be given.