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Caloric stimulation

Alternative Names:
Caloric test

Normal Values:

Nystagmus should occur after instillation of cold or warm water into the ear. The nystagmus should be similar on both sides.



What abnormal results mean:

If nystagmus does not occur after cold or warm water is instilled or there is a difference between the responses of each ear or between cold and warm water response, there may be some damage to the nerve of the inner ear, which controls balance. If nystagmus does not occur even after ice cold water is instilled, permanent damage to the nerve has probably occurred.

Any disease or injury that damages the acoustic nerve can cause vertigo. This may include:

  • congenital disorders (present at birth)
  • trauma
  • rubella
  • blood vessel disorders with hemorrhage (bleeding)
  • clots
  • atherosclerosis of the blood supply of the ear
  • cholesteatoma and other ear tumors
  • some poisons
  • ototoxic (toxic to the ear nerves) medications, including aminoglycoside antibiotics, some antimalarial drugs, loop diuretics, and salicylates

Additional conditions for which the test may be performed:




Review Date: 4/11/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, MD, FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Western Ontario, Londong, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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