Fistula test
Indications:
- any patient with a history of giddiness in whom erosion of the bony labyrinth is suspected e.g. by infection, cholesteatoma, tumour
- any asymptomatic patient in whom cholesteatoma is discovered clinically
Method - alteration of pressure in the external auditory meatus by either:
- repetitive pumping action on the tragus with the index finger
- pneumatic otoscope
Positive test:
- patient develops vertigo or nystagmus
- indicates:
- an abnormal communication between the membranous labyrinth and the external auditory meatus
- functioning vestibular end organ
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