From nystagmus to the air and water caloric tests.

UNLABELLED The caloric test is an important tool for the assessment of labyrinthine function. OBJECTIVE To compare the nystagmus response in the caloric tests with air at 50ºC and 24ºC and with water at 44ºC and 30ºC. STUDY DESIGN Randomized crossover clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS 40 healthy individuals were submitted to a neurotological evaluation, including caloric tests with air at 50ºC and 24ºC and water at 44ºC and 30ºC. RESULTS Comparing the air and water caloric tests, there were no significant differences among the post-caloric nystagmus slow-phase velocity in relation to the stimulation order, between ears and between the values of unilateral weakness and directional preponderance. The slow-phase velocity values were higher with water (p = 0.008, p < 0.001), and cold stimulation produced stronger responses (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Comparing 50ºC and 24ºC air caloric test and 44ºC and 30ºC water caloric test, we observed similar slow-phase velocity values for both ears, higher responses in the cold temperature and in the test with water, and similar results of unilateral weakness or directional preponderance for post-caloric nystagmus in both tests.