Caloric stimulation

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Caloric test

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.

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

Review Date: 02/12/2007
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.