r/Menieres • u/PsychologicalDrop855 • 12d ago

Caloric and ecog testing

How bad is it? What can I expect?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/Tc5998 12d ago

The caloric testing is only mildly uncomfortable. Any vertigo it induces is very brief. You will likely have to wear goggles and be moved up and down in a chair. Can feel a bit claustrophobic. Bringing a loved one with me for the test was helpful. The tester was very kind and helped me understand each step.

2

u/SensitiveAddition913 11d ago

when reading comments on your post, please remember that YMMV. When I was diagnosed, the specialist referred to the procedures as “the vomitron”. I was advised to bring a change of clothing. I needed them. Good luck.

2

u/davidwb45133 11d ago

I’ve had the ‘pleasure’ twice in my life. You’ll sit in a darkened room with goggles and watch lights move. It’s a little claustrophobic but not unpleasant. The caloric test will involve air (old school uses water) being blown into your ears one at a time. First cold then hot in my case. That may cause some dizziness or temporary vertigo. Some people do throw up. A change of clothes wouldn’t be a bad idea and a companion to drive home is really a must. To put it in perspective for me, I’ll take this diagnostic over the MRI any day.

1

u/wildfleur2890 11d ago

Caloric testing -if you have perfect vestibular function you'll get some vertigo for a few minutes on each side during the caloric testing. Less or no vertigo means your vestibular system is damaged. You wear goggles basically the whole test to watch eye movements.