Caloric stimulation is a test which uses differences in temperature to diagnose ear nerve damage.
Alternative NamesCaloric test; Cold water calorics; Warm water calorics
How the test is performedThis test stimulates the inner ear and nearby nerves by delivering cold and warm water to the ear canal at different times. Rarely, the test is done using air instead of water. The person doing the test should examine the ear and especially the eardrum to make sure it is normal before doing the test.
One ear is tested at a time.
When cold water enters the ear and the inner ear changes temperature, it should cause rapid, side-to-side eye movements called nystagmus. The eyes should move away from the cold water and slowly back.
Next, warm water is placed into the ear. The eyes should now move towards the warm water then slowly away.
The eyes can be observed visually, but more often this test is done as part of electronystagmography which uses patches called electrodes, placed around the eyes, to detect the movements. A computer records all the results.
Ice cold water may be used if there are no responses.
How to prepare for the testDo not eat a heavy meal before the test. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, allergy medications, and sedatives at least 24 hours prior to the test, as these can affect the results. (However, do not stop taking medicines without first talking to your doctor.)
How the test will feelSome people find cold water in the ear uncomfortable. Brief, but severe vertigo may occur during the test. You may have nausea associated with that feeling. Vomiting is rare.
Why the test is performedCaloric stimulation is done to check the acoustic (ear) nerve, which provides hearing and helps with balance. It is also used to test parts of the brain involved in balance.
This test may be recommended if you have:
It may also be done to look for brain damage in persons in a coma.
Normal ValuesRapid, side-to-side eye movements should occur when cold or warm water is placed into the ear. The eye movements should be similar on both sides.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results mean there may be damage to the nerve of the inner ear. If the rapid, side-to-side eye movements do not occur even after ice cold water is given, there may be damage to the nerve, the balance sensors of the inner ear, or the brain.
Abnormal results may be due to:
The test may also be done to diagnose or rule out:
What the risks areExcessive water pressure can injure a previously damaged eardrum, but this rarely occurs since the amount of water to be used is measured in advance. Caloric stimulation should not be performed if the eardrum is perforated because of the risk of causing ear infection. Caloric testing should not be performed during an acute vertigo episode as it can make symptoms worse.
Special considerationsCaloric stimulation is approximately 80% accurate in differentiating nerve damage as a cause of vertigo. Other tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
ReferencesBaloh R. Hearing and equilibrium. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 454.
Caloric stimulation is a test that uses differences in temperature to diagnose damage to the ear or brainstem.
Alternative NamesCaloric test; Cold water calorics; Warm water calorics
How the test is performedThis test stimulates the inner ear and nearby nerves by delivering cold or warm water to the ear canal at different times. Rarely, the test is done using air instead of water. The person doing the test should examine the ear and especially the eardrum to make sure they are normal before doing the test.
One ear is tested at a time.
When cold water enters the ear and the inner ear changes temperature, it should cause fast, side-to-side eye movements called nystagmus. The eyes should move away from the cold water and slowly back.
Next, warm water is placed into the ear. The eyes should move toward the warm water and then slowly away.
The eyes can be looked at directly. However, often this test is done as part of electronystagmography, which uses patches called electrodes placed around the eyes to detect the movements. A computer records the results.
Ice cold water may be used if there are no responses.
How to prepare for the testDo not eat a heavy meal before the test. Avoid the following at least 24 hours before the test, because they can affect the results:
However, do not stop taking medicines without first talking to your doctor.
How the test will feelMany people find cold water in the ear uncomfortable. Brief, but severe vertigo(sometimes with nausea) may occur during the test. Vomiting is rare.
Why the test is performedCaloric stimulation is done to check the ear (acoustic) nerve, which provides hearing and helps with balance. It is also used to test parts of the brain involved in balance.
This test may be recommended if you have:
It may also be done to look for brain damage in persons who are in a coma.
Normal ValuesRapid, side-to-side eye movements should occur when cold or warm water is placed into the ear. The eye movements should be similar on both sides.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results mean there may be damage to the nerve of the inner ear. If the rapid, side-to-side eye movements do not occur even after ice cold water is given, there may be damage to the nerve, the balance sensors of the inner ear, or the brain.
Abnormal results may be due to:
The test may also be done to diagnose or rule out:
What the risks areToo much water pressure can injure an already damaged eardrum, but this rarely occurs since the amount of water to be used is measured.
Caloric stimulation should not be done if the eardrum is torn (perforated), because it can cause an ear infection. It also should not be performed during an episode of vertigo because it can make symptoms worse.
Special considerationsCaloric stimulation is about 80% accurate at diagnosing nerve damage as a cause of vertigo. Other tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
ReferencesBaloh RW. Hearing and equilibrium. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 454.
Kerber KA, Baloh RW. Dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 18.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/05/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Division of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Gain weight.
By reducing caloric intake, one would lose weight. By increasing caloric intake, you'd gain weight.
weight maintenance will occur
Caloric burn MUST exceed caloric intake.
you will lose weight
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you gain weight
Lipids do indeed have a high caloric value.
Yes, foods are organized into groups in MyPyramid by their caloric content.
Caloric intake has a lot to do with the amount of physical activity a person participates in. If someone has a high caloric intake but they don't exercise or move a lot, they will gain weight.
heat
No it wouldn't but make sure it's low