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Caloric stimulation

Alternative Names:

Caloric test

What the risks are:

Excessive water pressure can injure a previously damaged eardrum, but this rarely occurs since the amount of water to be used is measured in advance. Caloric stimulation should not be performed if the eardrum is perforated because of the risk of causing ear infection . Caloric testing should not be performed during an acute vertigo episode as it can make symptoms worse.

Special considerations:

Caloric stimulation is approximately 80% accurate in differentiating nerve damage as a cause of vertigo. Other tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

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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