Positional vertigo represents about one-fifth of all vertiginous problems that make patients to consult their physicians. The exact knowledge of reactions of positional maneuvers enables to determine the etiology, to make a diagnostic plan more precise, and to facilitate a project of an efficient therapy. This report has summarized substantial signs of central and peripheral vertigo and nystagmus dependent on the head position, their responses to diagnostic maneuvers as well as typical findings in auxiliary methods. The mentioned facts should ease particularly differential diagnostics of the disorders given above.

        Key words: Dix-Halpike’s maneuver, vertigo, BPPV, downbeat nystagmus, positional nystagmus, positioning nystagmus, central vestibular syndrome