Can Type of Dizziness Influence the Vestibular Caloric Test Result?

Background: The broad range of vestibular tests used to diagnose labyrinth diseases allows for a functional assessment of the vestibular system. Among the many tests performed, the caloric test is considered the gold standard by providing an objective measurement of the vestibular function for each labyrinth. Objective: to correlate the different types of dizziness with the caloric test result. Methods: a descriptive study was performed based on the previous records of vestibular tests performed on patients with body balance disorders evaluated at Audiology Service between 2000 and 2020. The variables evaluated were sex, age, hearing loss, tinnitus, and caloric test result. Results: the sample was composed of 892 patients, 654 (73.4%) women, and 238 (26.6%) men. Normal results were obtained for 57.4% (N = 514) of the individuals, while peripheral disease 40.1% (N = 357), and central disease 2.5% (N = 21) accounted for the remaining. Complaint of vertigo was not common in central disorders (P = .02; OR = 0.17) and instability was associated with bilateral vestibular weakness (P = 0.02; OR = 5.92). Vertigo associated with tinnitus and/or hearing loss was more frequent in the caloric test with peripheral abnormality (P = 0.008). Conclusion: complaints of vertigo associated with tinnitus and/or hearing loss must be directed for clinical observation of unilateral peripheral lesion and instability to central disease or bilateral peripheral lesion.

Automated summary

Vestibular tests are crucial in diagnosing labyrinth diseases, with the caloric test considered the gold standard. This study found that complaints of vertigo associated with tinnitus and/or hearing loss were more common in the caloric test with peripheral abnormalities, while central disorders were less common in complaints of vertigo.