What are the sensitivity and specificity of the Dix‑Hallpike maneuver for diagnosing posterior‑canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?

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Dix–Hallpike Maneuver Diagnostic Accuracy for Posterior-Canal BPPV

The Dix–Hallpike maneuver has reported sensitivity of 79% (95% CI 65%–94%) and specificity of 75% (95% CI 33%–100%) for diagnosing posterior-canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). [1]

The Dix–Hallpike maneuver has also shown pooled sensitivity of 45% (95% CI 30%–62%) and pooled specificity of 82% (95% CI 68%–90%) in a primary-care diagnostic accuracy review. [2]

Reported Sensitivity

79% (95% CI 65%–94%) for posterior-canal BPPV. [1]
45% (95% CI 30%–62%) pooled sensitivity in primary-care diagnostic studies. [2]

Reported Specificity

75% (95% CI 33%–100%) for posterior-canal BPPV. [1]
82% (95% CI 68%–90%) pooled specificity in primary-care diagnostic studies. [2]

Sources (2)

[1] Research 2008

Establishing a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional ve…

Neurologist

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[2] Research 2010

Tests used to evaluate dizziness in primary care

CMAJ