This is useful for patients who find lying on their back uncomfortable.
Patients:
- are asked to sit sideways in the middle of the examination couch with their legs hanging off one side
- should then turn their head 45 degrees to one side and to lie down on other side so they are looking obliquely toward the ceiling.
- need to maintain this for 30 seconds and their eyes are observed for nystagmus as per the Hallpike test.
- are then sat up and the same process is repeated for the other side.
NHS Lothian videos on the Sidelying test can be found here: https://vimeo.com/channels/1713248
In the event of a positive Sidelying test an Epley manoeuvre should ideally be performed.
