Nystagmus Rate As An Index Of Caloric Test Response

Abstract

Using a sample of 20 otologically normal adults, the number of nystagmus beats in the period 60 to 90 seconds after the onset of irrigation was found to be a valid measure of caloric test response. This value shows a Gaussian distribution, as does the two-ear difference in this value after a logarithmic transformation. Utilising a 10% probability level, less than 33 beats in this period would be abnormal, as would a difference of more than 20 beats between the two ears.