Hautant's test requires the patient to be in what arm position?

Hautant's test is utilized to differentiate between vascular and neurologic causes of dizziness. The correct arm position for this test is when the patient's arms are in 90 degrees of flexion, typically at shoulder level.

In this position, the patient is asked to hold their arms out to the side with their elbows bent, which allows for the assessment of any involuntary movements such as pronation or dropping of the arms. These reactions can indicate specific issues related to central or peripheral disturbances. The suspended position of the arms changes the dynamics of stability and allows the clinician to observe the patient's ability to maintain arm position, thus revealing potential underlying neuromuscular or vascular problems.

Other positions, such as arms straight down, arms above the head, or arms crossed over the chest, do not allow for the same evaluation of motor control and balance necessary to carry out the test effectively. Hence, the arm position of 90 degrees of flexion is crucial for achieving the test's objectives.