Caloric test mnemonic

Direction of caloric nystagmus fast phase

Common questions

What is the Caloric test mnemonic?

COWS. It helps you recall: Direction of caloric nystagmus fast phase.

What does "C" stand for?

Cold

What does "O" stand for?

Opposite side

What does "W" stand for?

Warm

What are all the parts of the COWS mnemonic?

C: Cold; O: Opposite side; W: Warm; S: Same side.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Caloric test in ENT.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Names the fast phase only; the slow phase is the reverse.

How is this useful clinically?

Allows interpretation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a ENT question about Caloric test.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.