Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in dizziness.
To investigate the role of brainstem dysfunction in patients with dizziness, Brainstem Evoked Responses were recorded, and results of 100 such cases are presented. The present study further emphasizes the fact that dizziness is a symptom complex and careful evaluation of these patients is necessary. If a systematic approach is used, then a correct diagnosis can be achieved in over 95% of the cases. Vascular insufficiency of the brainstem can present as dizziness and may precede a catastrophic vascular infarction by weeks and months. Early recognition of the problem is of paramount importance, since anticoagulation therapy can be started early or other surgical correctable measures can be undertaken to prevent catastrophic infarction.
D000368:Aged; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000150:complications; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth