Medical Health Encyclopedia

Caloric stimulation

How the test will feel:

There is minimal discomfort. Some people find cold water in the ear uncomfortable. Brief, but severe vertigo may occur during the test.

Why the test is performed:

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Caloric stimulation is performed to evaluate the acoustic nerve, which provides hearing and helps with balance.

This test may be recommended:

• when someone is experiencing dizziness or vertigo
• when there is hearing loss with suspected toxicity from certain antibiotics
• with some anemias
• when psychological causes of vertigo are suspected
• to determine the presence or extent of brain damage in a comatose person

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