Galvanic vesitbular test.

Galvanic stimulation of the vestibular system provokes a nystagmus as well as a tendency to fall. The direction of these phenomena depends on the localization of the anode. In this study the value of the minimal current strength (threshold), which is able to provoke nystagmus with a constant frequency during at least 30 sec was determined. Also the effects of the lesions in the vestibular system on these threshold values were measured. The method of bipolar-biaruricular stimulation showed to be the most sensitive one. A striking difference was found in the thresholds in rabbits with a vestibular organ with a lesion on that side. In that case the threshold for a nystagmus directed to the side with the intact ear was at its lowest. The conclusion is drawn that the galvanic vestibular test is suitable for the detection of the localization of a vestibular lesion in patients, especially when this lesion is located in the peripheral vestibular organ.