User:Wacker09/Vertebral Artery Test

Vertebral Artery Test

Procedure
Paient should be lying on their back (supine). The examiner should be seated, behind the head of the patient, their hands should be cupped under the back of the head (occiput) to control and stabalize the head.

Results
With a positive test the patient will show signs of dizziness, confusion, nystagmus, unilateral pupil change, and nausea. This would be a sign that the cervical vertebral arteries have become occluded

History
This particular test must be performed before treatment or rehabilitation techniques can be performed to the head and neck area. It confirms the competency of the vertebral artery but if the patient has a positive test then it should be noted that the rehab may compromise the vertebral artery. Take note that the test should not be performed under serious conditions like a cervicle fracture, dislocation, or instability.