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.
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Source
Kerber, K. MD. "Vertigo and Dizziness in the Emergency Department" Emerg Med Clin N Am. 2009.