Brainstem auditory evoked potentials--a review and modified studies in healthy subjects.
The authors review the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP), and present studies on 40 healthy subjects. In addition to the conventional click evoked BAEP, three modified BAEP examinations were performed. The modified BAEP tests include a 1,000 Hz tone-burst BAEP, and more rapid rate binaural click and 1,000 Hz tone-burst BAEPs-each of the last two studies performed at four diminishing moderate intensities. In addition to the usual parameters, the authors examined the Wave V to Vn interpeak latency, and stimulus intensity versus Wave V latency and amplitude functions in the rapid rate binaural studies. Studies were also repeated on healthy subjects in a dependant head position in an attempt to increase intracranial pressure. Discussion centers on the BAEP, its current utility in medicine, unique neurophysiology, and literature support that the above modifications could increase the practicality of the test in patients at risk with intracranial lesions and perhaps improve the feasibility for real-time continuous or frequent monitoring in the future.
Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA. jlstone4@aol.com
James L
JL
Stone
Mateo
M
Calderon-Arnulphi
Karriem S
KS
Watson
Ketan
K
Patel
Navneet S
NS
Mander
Nichole
N
Suss
John
J
Fino
John R
JR
Hughes
D000328:Adult; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods*; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult