Caloric tests for nystagmus
Caloric testing involves the irrigation of the external auditory meatus with hot (44øC) or cold (30øC) water with the head raised 30ø from the supine position. It produces a temporary nystagmus secondary to convection currents set up in the lateral semicircular canal.
Each ear can be tested separately and is irrigated for 40 seconds with 5 minutes being allowed between irrigations. The time elapsed between the commencement of irrigation and the cessation of nystagmus is recorded.
Ice water ensures a maximal stimulus and is used for testing for brain stem death or head injury prognostication.
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