Normal vestibular responses to air caloric tests in children

One hundred and forty normal children, divided into four age-groups (2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-10 years old) have been submitted to a vestibular examination by caloric tests with air, and the responses were recorded. This technique is sure and easily reproducible. Frequency of nystagmus, and maximum eye speed in slow phase of nystagmus (M.E.S.) were examined during 30 sec after caloric stimulation. Frequency of nystagmus increases, and M.E.S. decreases as the children become older. A significant difference between the 2-3 and 4-5 year old groups is also noticed. Normal variations are fixed for each age group. A quantitative relation between frequency, M.E.S. and height is established.