Early detection of brainstem glioma using brainstem auditory evoked potentials.
Brainstem tumor was suspected in an 11-year-old boy presenting with a painless lateral rectus palsy, on the basis of abnormal brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP), despite normal computed tomographic studies, the diagnosis being confirmed by biopsy. The BAEP improved after radiation therapy, but their later deterioration heralded the onset of recurrence two weeks before any adverse clinical symptoms appeared. The value of BAEP studies in the early detection of brainstem lesions and in monitoring their progress, is discussed.
D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis; D009886:Ophthalmoplegia / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011930:Reaction Time; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed