What type of stimulation causes Caloric Nystagmus?

Caloric nystagmus is specifically caused by temperature differences that affect the inner ear. This phenomenon occurs when one ear is exposed to hot or cold water, leading to a temperature gradient that causes changes in fluid movement within the semicircular canals. The brain interprets this imbalance in fluid dynamics as motion, resulting in involuntary eye movements known as nystagmus.

Understanding that caloric nystagmus relies on the principles of thermoregulation helps to distinguish it from other types of nystagmus, which might be influenced by visual input, acceleration changes, or rotational movement. Each of those factors is relevant to different types of vestibular responses but does not specifically invoke the thermal aspect that characterizes caloric nystagmus.