Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEPs)

Abstract

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) are the electrical signals produced by the nervous system within the first 10. ms following a transient acoustic stimulus. They are used for neurodiagnostic testing, intraoperative monitoring, hearing screening/audiometry, and neurophysiological research. This article describes the techniques for recording BAEPs, including the stimuli that can be employed and the use of masking noise. The BAEP components and their anatomic generators are described. This article also describes how BAEPs are interpreted and presents examples of BAEPs that are abnormal due to several different etiologies. It concludes with a section on intraoperative BAEPs monitoring.