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Published on: May 23, 2021
Air caloric test in canal wall down mastoidectomy
Lucia Kazuko Nishino1, Lidio Granato
1Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|June 21, 2012
Summary
Caloric tests reveal greater nystagmic responses on the side of open mastoidectomy. Paradoxical stimulation was frequent, with no hypofunctioning responses observed in these middle ear disorder patients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurotology
- Vestibular System
Background:
- Caloric testing for middle ear disorders is understudied, with limited research on mastoidectomy effects.
- Controversies exist regarding caloric test interpretations in distinct anatomical structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze air caloric stimulation findings in individuals after unilateral radical mastoidectomy.
- To assess vestibular responses in patients without pre-existing dizziness complaints.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 36 individuals without vestibular complaints.
- Air caloric stimulation administered to all subjects.
- Comparison between 21 individuals with unilateral open mastoidectomy and 15 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Significant asymmetrical responses observed in 80.95% (cold) and 72.73% (hot) of subjects on the mastoidectomy side.
- 81.82% showed asymmetries across all four stimulation modes.
- Paradoxical stimulation occurred in 47.61% of hot caloric tests.
Conclusions:
- Nystagmic responses were notably greater on the side of open mastoidectomy compared to the healthy side.
- Paradoxical stimulation is a frequent finding in caloric tests post-mastoidectomy.
- No evidence of hypofunctioning vestibular responses was detected.

