Long-term follow-up of patients with vestibular neuritis by caloric testing and directional preponderance calculation

OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on the diagnostic precision of caloric testing in detecting vestibular neuritis (VN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 99 patients (36 men, 63 women, mean age: 44.63 years [Formula: see text] 12.08 SD) with superior VN were involved, and 157 participants with a normal functioning vestibular system were also investigated. All patients underwent a complete neurotological examination, including the caloric test with electronystagmography registration. The canal paresis (CP) and directional preponderance (DP) values were analysed. RESULTS: A VN on the right side was diagnosed in 31.3% and on the left side in 68.7%. When the CP parameters between the control and VN patients were contrasted, a statistically significant difference was observed (p < 0.00001*, Mann–Whitney U test), indicating higher values in the latter group. The prediction of VN based on the CP value was successful in 71%, and statistical analysis indicated a significant result [p < 0.0001*; OR: 5.730 (95% CI 3.301–9.948)]. The DP values were also significantly higher in the VN group (p < 0.00001*). The prediction of VN according to the DP value was successful in 69.8%. A significant result was also observed in this case [p < 0.001*; OR: 4.162 (95% CI 2.653–8.017)]. When both CP and DP were considered, a predictive value of 84.8% with a significant outcome [p < 0.0001*; OR: 82.7 (95% CI 28.4–241.03)] was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Including the CP and DP parameters of the caloric test, VN could be detected in around 85%. Therefore, the caloric helps diagnose the disorder, but both parameters must be considered.