The conditions required for a new rotation test were defined as (1) to obtain findings not detectable by other tests, especially caloric tests, (2) to reflect the most important function of the vestibulo-ocular reflex and (3) to have specificity and sensitivity as a clinical test.
The active head rotation test is a new test in which the vestibulo-ocular reflex and smooth pursuit can be demonstrated by measuring the abilities of spatial fixation and fixation suppression during daily experienced fast head rotations in the light. The findings and clinical application of this test are described.