Caloric testing provides information about
the function of the vestibular portion of the
eighth cranial nerve and aids in the diagnosis
of cerebellum and brainstem lesions
Patency of the external auditory canal is confirmed
The client is positioned supine with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
Cold or warm water is instilled into the auditory canal to stimulate the semicircular canals
A normal response that indicate intact function of cranial nerves III, VI and VIII is conjugate eye movements toward the side being irrigated, followed by rapid nystagmus to the opposite side
Absent or dysconjugate eye movements indicate brainstem damage
2. DESCRIPTION
Caloric testing provides information about
the function of the vestibular portion of the
eighth cranial nerve and aids in the diagnosis
of cerebellum and brainstem lesions
3. PROCEDURE
Patency of the external auditory canal is confirmed
The client is positioned supine with the head of the bed elevated 30
degrees
Cold or warm water is instilled into the auditory canal to stimulate the
semicircular canals
A normal response that indicate intact function of cranial nerves III, VI and
VIII is conjugate eye movements toward the side being irrigated , followed
by rapid nystagmus to the opposite side
Absent or dysconjugate eye movements indicate brainstem damage
