Absolute versus relative evaluation of the caloric test results.

A comparative study of clinical cases elucidates the value of "relative" and "absolute" evaluation of the caloric test results, using both parameters slow phase velocity (SPV) and frequency. It is shown that combining both techniques of evaluation, using both parameters, contributes to obtain more nuanced dysfunction patterns. Unilateral peripheral vestibular hypofunction can only be evaluated by using SPV in a relative way according to the formula of Jongkees. Absolute evaluation by both parameters provides indications for central components.