How Do You Spell CALORIC NYSTAGMUS?

Pronunciation: [kalˈɒɹɪk nˈɪstaɡməs] (IPA)

Caloric nystagmus is a medical term used in the field of neurology. It is a type of nystagmus that occurs as a result of cold or warm water being introduced into the ear canal, leading to an involuntary eye movement. The spelling of this word is phonetically transcribed as /kəˈlɔrɪk ˈnɪstæɡməs/. The "a" in "caloric" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat," while the "i" in "nystagmus" is pronounced like the "i" in "sit."

CALORIC NYSTAGMUS Meaning and Definition

1. Caloric nystagmus is a medical condition characterized by an involuntary rhythmic oscillation of the eyes that occurs as a result of changes in inner ear stimulation due to the introduction of a temperature gradient to the ear canal. It is a type of nystagmus that is triggered by the application of hot or cold water or air to the ear.

   The inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system within the inner ear comprises fluid-filled canals that are sensitive to temperature changes. When a cold or warm stimulus is applied to the ear canal, it affects the temperature of the fluid in these canals and alters the balance signals sent to the brain.

   In caloric nystagmus, the resulting disturbance in balance signals causes the eyes to repetitively and uncontrollably move in a specific pattern, usually back and forth or in a circular motion. The direction and speed of the eye movements indicate the affected ear and the degree of vestibular dysfunction.

   Caloric nystagmus is commonly used as a diagnostic tool to assess the functioning of the vestibular system and identify inner ear pathologies, such as vestibular nerve damage, Meniere's disease, or labyrinthitis. The examination involves the delivery of a controlled temperature stimulus to each ear separately while observing the resulting eye movements.

   Understanding and analyzing the characteristics of caloric nystagmus can provide valuable information about an individual's vestibular health and contribute to the diagnosis and management of balance disorders.

2. See Barany's sign.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CALORIC NYSTAGMUS

• xaloric nystagmus
• valoric nystagmus
• faloric nystagmus
• daloric nystagmus
• czloric nystagmus
• csloric nystagmus
• cwloric nystagmus
• cqloric nystagmus
• cakoric nystagmus
• caporic nystagmus
• caooric nystagmus
• caliric nystagmus
• calkric nystagmus
• callric nystagmus
• calpric nystagmus
• cal0ric nystagmus
• cal9ric nystagmus
• caloeic nystagmus
• calodic nystagmus
• calofic nystagmus

Etymology of CALORIC NYSTAGMUS

The term "caloric nystagmus" has its etymology rooted in both Latin and Greek words.

1. Caloric: The word "caloric" comes from the Latin word "calor", meaning heat. It refers to the concept of heat or thermal energy.

2. Nystagmus: The word "nystagmus" comes from the Greek words "nyo" (to nod or doze) and "staggos" (unsteady or unstable). Nystagmus is a condition characterized by involuntary, rhythmic eye movements.

Therefore, when combined, "caloric nystagmus" refers to the nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) that occur in response to caloric stimulation, which involves the alteration of temperature (usually using hot or cold water) within the ear canal. It is a diagnostic test used in evaluating the vestibular system's function and determining certain medical conditions.

Plural form of CALORIC NYSTAGMUS is CALORIC NYSTAGMUSES