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Original Articles
Efficacy of the Fixation Index of Bithermal Caloric Test for Differentiating Brain Lesions in Vestibular Disoder
Young Jae Lee, Wonyong Baek, Sung-Il Cho, Gi-Sung Nam
Res Vestib Sci. 2023;22(4):106-111.   Published online December 15, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2023.22.4.106
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of the fixation index (FI) of the bithermal caloric test for differentiating brain lesions in vestibular disorder.
Methods
We reviewed the medical records of 286 consecutive dizzy patients who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the bithermal caloric test at department of otorhinolarnygology. Central vestibulopathy (CVP) was defined as when corresponding lesion was identified on brain MRI, otherwise peripheral vestibulopathy (PVP) was defined. The FI was defined as the mean slow phase velocity (SPV) with fixation divided by the mean SPV without fixation, and failure was indicated when the FI exceeded 70%.
Results
The CVP confirmed by brain MRI and PVP were 16.8% and 83.2%, respectively. The most common CVPs were cerebellopontine angle tumor (n=19, 39.6%) and chronic cerebellar infarction (n=18, 37.5%). There were 23 cases of CVP (47.9%) and 47 cases of PVP (19.7%) with abnormal number of FI in at least two of the four caloric irrigations. The FI score of right cool (RC), left cool (LC), and right warm (RW) were also increased significantly in patients with CVP (p=0.031 at RCFI, p=0.014 at LCFI, p=0.047 at RWFI, and p=0.057 at LWFI; Mann-Whitney U-test).
Conclusions
If two or more abnormal FIs are detected during bithermal caloric testing, there is a high likelihood of CVP. Consequently, additional brain MRI may be necessary for further evaluation.
Temporal Relationship between Nystagmus and Perception during Bithermal Alternate Caloric Test
Sooyoung Kim, Eun-Jin Kwon, Hyunjin Jo, Seong-Hae Jeong
Res Vestib Sci. 2021;20(4):134-140.   Published online December 15, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2021.20.4.134
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
During caloric irritation, the spinning/rotating sensation is predominant. However, there is no report on the temporal relationship between caloric nystagmus and perception.
Methods
Consecutive 57 participants underwent bithermal caloric test in the dizziness clinic of Chungnam National University Hospital from February 2018 to September 2018. For vestibular perception, we asked the subject to report feelings of rotation and/or linear sensation during each warm and cold water irrigation period. Besides routine caloric parameters, the duration of nystagmus and vestibular sensation were analyzed.
Results
In most participants, the caloric nystagmus preceded the vestibular sensation (79.6% in right warm, 83.3% in left warm, 88.5% in right cool, and 84.6% in left cool stimuli). The precedence of perception was observed in 5 normal persons and 15 patients with vestibular migraine (n=4), unilateral vestibulopathy (n=3), and Menière’s disease (n=2), multiple systemic atrophy (n=2), cerebellar ataxia (n=2), vertebrobasilar insufficiency (n=1), and post-earthquake dizziness (n=1). The mean latency between nystagmus and perception was 11.7 seconds. And the duration of nystagmus was longer than that of perception in all conditions. Non-spinning sensations during the caloric test were also observed in some participants (26.8% in right warm, 30.3% in left warm, 29.1% in right cool, and 24.1% in left cool stimuli).
Conclusions
During the bithemal alternate caloric test, various vestibular perception and temporal relationship between perception and nystagmus suggest the bithermal caloric stimulation does not reflect only the signal originating from the horizontal canal pathway. A further validation study is needed.
Comparison of Predictive Parameters between the Video Head Impulse Test and Caloric Test
Chun Han, Seung Won Paik, Hui Joon Yang, Sang Yoo Park, Ji Hyeon Lee, Young Joon Seo
Res Vestib Sci. 2020;19(2):55-61.   Published online June 15, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2020.19.2.55
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  • 1 Crossref
AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
The aim of this paper was to determine if a correlation exists between video head impulse test (vHIT) and electronystagmography with caloric test (ENG). More specifically, comparison of covert and overt value from vHIT test with cold and warm stimulation value from ENG test.
Methods
Retrospective study of our single institue from the period of January 2015 to January 2017 enrolled 91 patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups by their diagnosis of either vestibular neuritis (VN), Meniere disease, or sudden sensorineural loss with vertigo accordingly. Each of the patients’ both ENG and vHIT data were recorded and parameters were evaluated.
Results
VN group was the only group to show a significant correlation between canal paresis (CP) with covert and overt saccades. Further analysis was done in the VN group and result showed covert saccade showing a larger area under the receiver operation characteristic curve value (0.77) compared to overt saccades (0.70), implying that covert saccade is a more accurate parameter for the prediction of the CP value. Furthermore, a positive correlation was seen between the gain value and the cold caloric stimulation value as well as between warm caloric stimulation value.
Conclusions
The value of our study lies in the fact that we have attempted to find a correlation between different parameters of 2 different vestibular tests. We concluded that the evaluation of overt nystagmus by the bedside head thrust test is inappropriate for predicting CP, and a vHIT is required to accurately evaluate vestibular function.

Citations

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  • A Comparative Analysis of the Vestibulocochlear Function in Patients with Isolated Semicircular Canal Hypofunction Using a Video Head Impulse Test
    Yu Jung Park, Min Young Lee, Ji Eun Choi, Jae Yun Jung, Jung Hwa Bahng
    Research in Vestibular Science.2023; 22(2): 34.     CrossRef
The Clinical Efficacy of Vestibular Function Tests in Patients with Acute Unilateral Vestibulopathy
Bong-Hui Kang, Jae-Il Kim
Res Vestib Sci. 2018;17(2):49-54.   Published online June 15, 2018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2018.17.2.49
  • 5,695 View
  • 105 Download
AbstractAbstract PDF
Objectives
Aim of this study is to investigate the clinical efficacy of the vestibular function tests (VFTs) and the predictability of lesion side of vestibular asymmetry parameters in acute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy.
Methods
Medical records and results of VFTs (caloric, rotatory chair, and head impulse tests) of 57 patients with acute unilateral vestibulopathy were reviewed retrospectively. The VFTs were examined within 7 days after the clinical onset.
Results
For the caloric test, 74% showed significant canal paresis and the predictability of lesion side was 88%. For the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test, 91% had low gain in at least 1 Hz, phase lead showed 70%, 89% showed phase asymmetry and the predictability of lesion side was 90%. For velocity step test, 67% had abnormal Tc asymmetry and the predictability of lesion side was 95%. In bedside head impulse test (HIT), abnormal catch up saccades were observed in 89% and the predictability of lesion side was 100%. For the video HIT, cover or overt catch-up saccades were observed in 95% and the predictability of lesion side was 100%. One hundred percent (100%) had low gain on the video HIT, but the lesion sides were uncertain because of bilateral involvements or artifacts.
Conclusions
The most important things in the diagnosis of acute unilateral vestibulopathy are typical clinical symptoms and spontaneous nystagmus. A combination of rotatory, caloric, and HITs will result in a more complete examination of the vestibular system. Among them, HIT is recommended as the best tool in acute unilateral vestibulopathy.
Analysis of Clinical Features in Patients Showing Bilateral Vestibulopathy with Vestibular Function Test
Dong Hyun Kim, Jeong Hyun Lee, Bong Jik Kim, Chung Ku Rhee, Jae Yun Jung
Res Vestib Sci. 2014;13(2):47-52.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Background and Objectives: Caloric test and rotatory chair test have been adopted in diagnosing bilateral vestibulopathy. However, most of patients who were confirmed by the diagnostic testing not complained typical symptoms of bilateral vestibulopathy such as ossilopsia and ataxia. Patients who do not have typical symptoms of bilateral vestibulopathy, were often diagnosed with bilateral vestibulopathy by caloric test and slow harmonic acceleration test (SHA). The aim of this study is to assess the clinical features between groups classified according to the caloric test and SHA test, and possibly to investigate the representative test in the diagnosis of bilateral vestibulopathy. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients were divided into three groups: (A) patients diagnosed with the caloric test only, (B) patients diagnosed with SHA test only, (C) patients satisfying the diagnostic criteria of both tests. Clinical characteristics, the results of physical examination, hearing test and vestibular function test (VFT) were compared among three groups. Results: There was no difference in clinical characteristics and results of physical examination among three groups. Regarding VFT results, only in step velocity test, The proportion of patients who showed low gain value on both sides were higher in group C than that of group A and B. No difference was observed in the other VFT results among three groups. Conclusion: We could not predict the clinical features of bilateral vestibulopathy by the results of VFT, and could not find preferable test in diagnosing bilateral vestibulopathy.
Results of High-Frequency and High-Acceleration Rotary Chair Test in Patients with Acute Unilateral Vestibular Neuritis
Hwan Seo Lee, Jun Woo Park, Chang Wook Lee, Chan Il Song, Myung Hoon Yoo, Hong Ju Park
Res Vestib Sci. 2014;13(2):41-46.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
r neuritis. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients who were diagnosed as acute vestibular neuritis and underwent rotational chair and caloric tests during March 2012 to March 2013 were included. Slow harmonic acceleration (SHA) test was performed at 0.01, 0.04, 0.16, 0.64, 1.28, and 2.00 Hz. Step velocity tests at the peak velocity of 100o/sec (low-acceleration) and 240o/sec (high-acceleration) were performed. Gains and phases in SHA test and gains and time constants (Tc) in step velocity test were analyzed. Results: In SHA test, decreased gain and phase lead was observed mostly in low frequencies. Gains (phases) at 0.01, 0.04, 0.16, 0.64, 1.28, and 2.00 Hz were 0.2±0.1 (62.2±15.4), 0.3±0.2 (24.5±13.0), 0.4±0.2 (7.2±18.8), 0.5±0.1 (7.2±11.3), 0.7±0.2 (11.0±7.5), and 0.8±0.3 (4.4±14.4), respectively. In step velocity (SV) test, gains stimulating the lesion side were significantly lower than those stimulating the intact side in both low- and high-acceleration SV test (p<0.05) and per-rotatory gain stimulating the lesion side in high-acceleration SV test was significantly lower than that in low-acceleration SV test. Tc stimulating the lesion side were significantly shorter than those stimulating the intact side in low- acceleration SV test (p<0.05) but not in high-acceleration SV test. Per- and post-rotatory Tc in high-acceleration SV test stimulating the intact side was significantly lower than those in low-acceleration SV test (p<0.05). Conclusion: At high-frequency SHA test, gain was pretty normal and phase lead was observed in some patients. High-acceleration SV test showed shortened Tc regardless of the sides, suggesting that high-acceleration SV test can reveal the impaired velocity storage system in patients with vestibular neuritis more frequently than low-acceleration SV test.
Case Report
Spontaneous Recovery of Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Gain after Bilateral Complete Vestibular Loss Following Head Injury
Ga Young Park, Eun Wook Chung, Jong Sei Kim, Won Ho Chung
Res Vestib Sci. 2012;11(4):146-153.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Dizziness is a frequent complication of head injury and objective evidence of vestibular dysfunction in the dizzy patient following head injury has been reported in literatures. However, there is no report about bilateral spontaneous recovery of caloric response after complete loss of bilateral vestibular function following head injury. A 27-year-old male patient who presented with continuous dizziness and disequilibrium following head injury was diagnosed as diffuse axonal injury after brain magnetic resonance image and bilateral complete loss of vestibular function after caloric and rotary chair test. He showed gradual improvement of dizziness, vestibulo-ocular reflex gain and left caloric response at 2 months after vestibular exercise. After another 4 months, his caloric function was fully recovered, and dizziness disappeared at 16 months after the onset of dizziness. We present this case with reviews of previous literatures about dizziness following head injury and diffuse axonal injury.
Evaluation Studies
Quantitative Analysis of Fixation Index of Caloric Induced Nystagmus and Its Clinical Implication
Joong Yeon Won, Sae Young Kwon, Ji Hee Kim, Hyo Jeong Lee, Hyung Jong Kim, Ja Won Koo, Sung Kwang Hong
Res Vestib Sci. 2012;11(4):123-130.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Background and Objectives: There is no general consensus as to the normal limit or recommended procedure for visual fixation index (VFI) during caloric test because fixation suppression (FS) could be influenced by different variables. In this study, we present our mathematical modeling according to different variables to establish a clinical implication of VFI in patients with vertigo. Materials and Methods: Data were analyzed from a retrospective record of patients who underwent caloric testing. Three subgroups were classified (normal caloric response, unilateral vestibular hypofunction and central vertigo). VFI distribution and mathematical modeling to estimate an associated probability were performed from each group. A receiver operation characteristics (ROC) curve was plotted to determine its diagnostic value. Results: Four hundred eighteen, 67 and 14 patients met our inclusion criteria for normal caloric response, unilateral vestibular hypofunction and cerebellar infarction respectively. VFIs on warm irrigation showed more consistent distribution than cold irrigation in normal caloric response group. In contrast, there was significant inconsistency of VFIs between each side in unilateral vestibular hypofunction group (p>0.05). FS ability was inversely propositional with increase in age on all caloric (p<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of VFIs on warm caloric irrigation was 0.821 and that on cold irrigation was 0.785 for detecting central vertigo. Conclusion: Calibrated normal limit for VFI according to age is needed to ensure its clinical implication. Diagnostic value of VFI and its reliability on warm stimulation was superior to that of cold, which indicates VFI on warm stimulation seems to be a more reliable parameter.
Original Articles
Reliability of Air Caloric Response in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Chronic Otitis Media
Sung Kwang Hong, Ji Soo Kim, Jin Woong Choi, Ja Won Koo
Res Vestib Sci. 2012;11(1):29-36.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Background and Objectives: To investigate reliability of the air caloric test compared to the water caloric test and to determine whether anatomical alterations due to chronic otitis media (COM) influence air caloric response. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six subjects without vestibulopathy (24 healthy individuals as control group and 32 patients with unilateral COM as experimental group) were included. The bithermal water and air caloric test were sequentially conducted in control group. The bithermal air caloric tests, high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography and endoscopic photography of the ear drum were obtained from experimental group. Results: Although maximal slow phase velocities and time to reach peak velocity using water irrigation were significantly higher and shorter, respectively, than those by air irrigation in normal subjects, caloric parameters on air caloric test agreed well with those of water caloric testing. However, inverted nystagmus occurred in 16 ears of 16 subjects, which was predominantly presented during warm air stimulation in the com patient group. The large tympanic membrane perforation and asymmetrical mastoid pneumatization were significant parameters affecting caloric response. The presented prediction model for cold-induced mspvs corresponded with observed values according to mastoid pneumatization. Conclusion: Although the air caloric stimuli resulted in a reliable response in healthy subjects, air caloric results among com patients affected by anatomical alteration as well as irrigation temperature. Presented mathematical model for cold induced mspv could serve as a good reference in measuring true vestibular function in com patients.
Contralateral Suppression of Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission in Vestibular Neuritis
Hoon Young Woo, Jung Hyeob Sohn, Young Sam Yoo, Jeong Hwan Choi
Res Vestib Sci. 2011;10(1):7-11.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Background and Objectives: The etiology of vestibular neuritis is unknown. Many investigators have suggested that this condition spares the inferior vestibular nerve system. However, others have reported that the lesion sometimes affects the inferior vestibular nerve system based on vestibular evoked myogenic potential. The function of the inferior vestibular nerve was studied in acute vestibular neuritis by monitoring medial olivocochlear bundle (MOCB) function. Under normal conditions, contralateral acoustic stimulation has inhibitory effects on ipsilateral otoacoustic emissions through the MOCB. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients that presented with dizziness and spontaneous nystagmus, and were confirmed to have acute vestibular neuritis by rotatory chair and caloric testing were enrolled in this study. We evaluated the evoked otoacoustic emissions with and without contralateral acoustic stimulation in both ears in all patients. The percent loss of normal inhibitory action on otoacoustic emissions was determined in the normal and affected ears. Results: All patients showed inhibitory effects in response to contralateral acoustic stimulation on evoked otoacoustic emissions in normal ears. Fifteen patients (75%) had an absence of contralateral suppression of otoacoustic emissions on the affected side. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the presence of dysfunction of the MOCB in patients with acute vestibular neuritis.
Efficacy of Rotating Chair Test And Caloric Test For The Diagnosis of Acute Unilateral Vestibular Neuritis
Heung Eog Cha, Chae Young Lim, Gyu Cheol Han, Chang Hyun Cho, Byung Ki Yoon, Min Kwan Baek, Ju Hyoung Lee
J Korean Bal Soc. 2008;7(1):43-47.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Background and Objectives: The acute unilateral vestibular neuritis is fairly a common disease and the precise diagnostic tool is needed for the selection of effective treatments. Therefore, we studied the clinical usefulness of the rotatory chair test and caloric test which have been commonly used in patient of acute unilateral vestibular neuritis. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty four patients who were diagnosed with acute unilateral vestibular neuritis from August of 2004 to June of 2007 were included. Their medical records of the rotating chair test and caloric test were reviewed retrospectively to study the correlation of the two tests. Results: Of 164 patients, 101 patients (61.6%) and 88 patients (53.7%) showed significant canal paresis (CP) and directional preponderance (DP) on the caloric tests that corresponded with the physical exam. 130 patients (79.3%) and 84 patients (51.2%) showed significant asymmetry and time constant (Tc) on the rotating chair test that corresponded with the predictive direction with spontaneous nystagmus. Conclusions: For acute unilateral vestibular neuritis patients, the asymmetry of the rotatory chair test showed the highest correlation with clinical findings. But physical exam should be preceded because neither rotator chair test nor caloric test yields a specific correlation with the physical exam. Especially, single test only may too many false negative results. For these tests can reduce false positive cases of the physical exam and raise the specificity of the diagnosis, the planning of proper treatments should be followed thereafter.
Follow-up Changes of Eye Movements by Caloric Stimulation in Patients With Vestibular Neuritis
Mun Su Park, Ga Hyun Park, Yong Soo Jeong, Yeo Jin Lee, Jung Eun Shin, Hong Ju Park
J Korean Bal Soc. 2008;7(1):33-37.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Background and Objectives: A significant recovery of resting activity in the vestibular nuclei ipsilateral to the unilateral labyrinthectomy has been reported by the time symptoms such as spontaneous nystagmus and roll head tilt have largely disappeared. However, the dynamic vestibular response after unilateral vestibular loss to passively imposed vestibular stimuli does not recover. Materials and Methods: We investigated changes of the caloric responses in 32 patients with vestibular neuritis during in- and out-patient visits separated by 2 months in an attempt to identify changes brought about by peripheral and/or central compensation processes. Results: The slow-phase eye velocities stimulated by warm caloric stimulation at acute and follow-up stage were 6.6±6.6°/s, 9.5±9.9°/s in the lesioned side; 28.4±19.1°/s, 24.5±11.6°/s in the intact side. The slow-phase eye velocities stimulated by cold caloric stimulation at acute and follow-up stage were 5.9±7.7°/s, 10.3±8.2°/s in the lesioned side; 19.8±10.3°/s, 18.8±9.9°/s in the intact side. Conclusion: Our findings show that the recovery of caloric responses comes mostly from the recovery of the eye responses to the caloric stimulation in the lesioned side and the eye responses to the caloric stimulation in the intact side does not change over time after vestibular neuritis.
Case Report
Resolution of Canal Paresis after Treatment in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo of the Horizontal Canal
Kyung Tae Park, Myung Whan Suh, Chae Seo Rhee, Ji Soo Kim, Ja Won Koo
J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):217-221.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Canal paresis in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) has been variously reported from 26 to 50%. In such cases, BPPVs are developed secondary to accompanying vestibulopathy or other underlying inner ear diseases. Also the side of canal paresis is regarded as involved ear in the lateralization of horizontal canal BPPV (HC-BPPV), in which lateralization is sometimes ambiguous just by Eward’s second law. In this case, authors report a woman who had HC-BPPV and pathologic canal paresis which resolved after canalith repositioning. This case may imply that dislodged particles block the endolymphatic flow resulting canal paresis.
Original Articles
Vibration-Induced Nystagmus in Patients with Vestibular Disorders
Yeo Jin Lee, Hong Ju Park, Jung Eun Shin, Jae Yoon Ahn, Ga Hyun Park, Yong Soo Jung, Hi Boong Kwak, Jin Seok Yoo
J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):192-195.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Background and Objectives: It has been reported that vibration applied either on the mastoid or the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles induces nystagmus in patients after unilateral vestibular neuritis. The aims of the study were to characterize the vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN) in patients with various vestibular disorders and to compare the results of VIN to unilateral weakness in caloric test. Materials and Methods: Fifthy-four patients with Meniere’s disease, 58 patients with unilateral vestibular neuritis, 170 patients with migraine-associated dizziness, and 78 patients with chronic recurrent vestibulopathy were included. We recorded eye movements during unilateral 100-Hz vibration on the mastoids and SCM muscles. The bithermal caloric test was also performed. Abnormal criteria of VIN were slow-phase slow-phase velocity (SPV) at 4 all different conditions ≥ 2°/s with the same directions or mean of SPV at vibration on both mastoids or both SCM muscles ≥ 5°/s with the same directions. Results: In Meniere’s disease, 28 of 57 (49.1%) of patients show pathologic VIN, 21 of 57 (36.8%) show pathologic canal paresis. 14 of 57 (24.6%) show abnormalities in both tests, and 35 of 57 (61.4%) show any abnormalities in either test. In unilateral vestibular neuritis, 43 of 58 (77.6%) showed pathologic VIN, 58 of 58 (100%) show canal paresis. In migraine-associated dizziness, 48 of 170 (28.2%) showed pathologic VIN, 58 of 170 (18.8%) show canal paresis. 15 of 170 (8.8%) showed abnormalities in both tests, and 65 of 170 (38.2%) show any abnormalities in either test. In chronic recurrent vestibulopathy, 23 of 78 (29.5%) of patients show pathologic VIN and 17 of 78 (21.8%) show pathologic canal paresis. Seven of 78 (9.0%) showed abnormalities in both tests, and 33 of 78 (42.3%) show any abnormalities in either test. Conclusion: VIN test can increase the sensitivity in detecting vestibular imbalance in vestibular disorders when combined with caloric test.
Comparison of Air Caloric Test and Vibration-Induced Nystagmus Test in Patients with Unilateral Chronic Otitis Media without Vertigo
Jae Yoon Ahn, Hong Ju Park, Jung Eun Shin, Ga Hyun Park, Yong Soo Jung, Hi Boong Kwak, Yeo Jin Lee, Jin Seok Yoo
J Korean Bal Soc. 2007;6(2):167-171.
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Background and Objectives: The aims of the study were to characterize the vibration-induced nystagmus (VIN) and air caloric test in patients with unilateral chronic otitis media, and to clarify the clinical availability of VIN by comparing the results of VIN test with those of air caloric test. Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients with unilateral chronic otitis media who had had no vestibular symptoms in past history were investigated. Pure tone audiometry (PTA), air caloric, VIN and subjective visual vertical (SVV) tests were done and the results were analyzed to estimate the utility for investigating vestibular imbalance. Results: If we consider a patient with abnormal results from two or more tests as a patient with latent vestibular imbalance, because they had no previous vestibular symptoms, 3 patients was considered to have latent asymmetric vestibular function. False positive rate were 32% in air caloric test, 5% in VIN test and 0% in SVV test. Conclusion: Our findings show that vestibular imbalance in patients with chronic otitis media should be determined through various tests and vibration-induced nystagmus test can be more useful than air caloric test in estimating the vestibular imbalance.

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