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Caloric stimulation

• Overview
• Risks
• Results

Alternative Names:

Caloric test

Normal Values:

Rapid, side-to-side eye movements should occur when cold or warm water is placed into the ear. The eye movements should be similar on both sides.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal results mean there may be damage to the nerve of the inner ear, which controls balance. If the rapid, side-to-side eye movements do not occur even after ice cold water is given, permanent damage to the nerve has probably occurred.

Abnormal results may suggest:

• Congenital disorders (present at birth)
• Trauma
• Rubella
• Blood vessel disorders with hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Blood clots
• Atherosclerosis of the blood supply of the ear
• Cholesteatoma and other ear tumors
• Certain types of poisonings
• Damage to the ear nerves due to ceratin antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, diuretics, and salicylates

The test may also be done to diagnose or rule out:

• Acoustic neuroma
• Benign positional vertigo
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere's disease

References:

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005:3179-3189.

Casselbrant ML. Balance disorders in children. Neurol Clin . Aug 2005; 23(3): 807-29, vii.

• Review Date: 2/12/2007
• Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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