What is a common symptom of caloric vertigo?

Caloric vertigo is a phenomenon that occurs when there is a disturbance in the function of the vestibular system, particularly due to changes in temperature affecting the inner ear. The most common symptom associated with caloric vertigo is nausea and vomiting, which arise from the imbalance in the vestibular system's response to caloric stimulation.

When cold or warm water is introduced into the ear canal, it alters the temperature of the endolymph fluid, triggering a discrepancy in signals sent to the brain regarding body position and motion. This can lead to dizzy spells or a sensation of spinning, which often induces nausea and can result in vomiting as a secondary response. The brain reacts to the confusing sensory information, and the resulting discomfort can provoke these gastrointestinal symptoms.

While other symptoms can occur, such as those related to hearing or ear discomfort, nausea and vomiting are the hallmark signs indicating that the vestibular system is reacting strongly to the caloric stimulus, thereby making them the most commonly reported symptoms in cases of caloric vertigo.