The head-thrust test can help distinguish peripheral from central vertigo, particularly when trying to distinguish between vestibular neuritis and a cerebellar infarction.
The head-thrust test evaluates the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). The patient is instructed to focus on the examiner's nose and then the examiner initiates a quick 10 degree movement of the patient's head to one side. If there is a lesion of the VOR as in vestibular neuritis, a corrective eye movement back to the examiner's nose, a saccade, is seen after the head is moved toward the affected side.
Click here for illustration. Click here for video.
Source
Kerber, K. MD. "Vertigo and Dizziness in the Emergency Department" Emerg Med Clin N Am. 2009.
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