A vestibular function test that uses warm and cool air or water in the ears to stimulate the balance organs of the inner ear. The resulting eye movements are measured to assess how well each ear’s vestibular system is functioning.
Pro tip: If caloric testing makes you feel horrible, then you likely have a healthy vestibular system. Patients with significant vestibular hypofunction or vestibular loss will not be as reactive to this test.
Caloric testing may be included in a battery of vestibular diagnostic testing ordered by a specialist medical doctor for patients with dizziness and vertigo, especially to measure any suspected vestibular hypofunction or vestibular loss.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
