Evaluation of hyperactive caloric responses in patients with inner ear diseases.

Twenty-three patients with various types of inner ear diseases, who showed hyperactive caloric responses (21 patients showed unilateral hyperactive caloric responses, and 2 patients showed bilateral hyperactive caloric responses) were monitored during 2-10 years and underwent caloric tests repeatedly (2-7 times). None of them showed continuous hyperactivity of the labyrinth throughout their clinical courses. It seems that hyperactive caloric responses in patients who suffer from inner ear disease may be a transient phenomenon, caused by fluctuations of the vestibular condition, central compensation, age and/or mental state of the patients.