In caloric testing, what does a unilateral weakness indicate?

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Multiple Choice

In caloric testing, what does a unilateral weakness indicate?

Explanation:
Caloric testing assesses each horizontal canal by irrigating the ear with warm and cold stimuli to move endolymph and evoke a predictable nystagmic response. A unilateral weakness means the response from the tested side is reduced compared with the opposite side, indicating reduced function of the horizontal canal on that side. This points to peripheral vestibular hypofunction on the tested side, such as damage to the labyrinth or vestibular nerve. Normal, symmetrical responses would show no asymmetry; patterns of bilateral enhancement or increased function on the opposite side do not reflect a loss of function on the tested side.

Caloric testing assesses each horizontal canal by irrigating the ear with warm and cold stimuli to move endolymph and evoke a predictable nystagmic response. A unilateral weakness means the response from the tested side is reduced compared with the opposite side, indicating reduced function of the horizontal canal on that side. This points to peripheral vestibular hypofunction on the tested side, such as damage to the labyrinth or vestibular nerve. Normal, symmetrical responses would show no asymmetry; patterns of bilateral enhancement or increased function on the opposite side do not reflect a loss of function on the tested side.

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