Rapid, side-to-side eye movements should occur when cold or warm water is placed into the ear. The eye movements should be similar on both sides.

Abnormal results mean there may be damage to the nerve of the inner ear. If the rapid, side-to-side eye movements do not occur even after ice cold water is given, there may be damage to the nerve, the balance sensors of the inner ear, or the brain.

Abnormal results may be due to:

• Atherosclerosis of the blood supply of the ear
• Blood vessel disorders with hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Blood clots
• Certain types of poisonings
• Cholesteatoma and other ear tumors
• Congenital (present at birth) disorders
• Damage to the ear nerves due to certain antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, diuretics, and salicylates
• Rubella that damages the acoustic nerve
• Trauma

The test may also be done to diagnose or rule out:

• Acoustic neuroma
• Benign positional vertigo
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere's disease