Auditory Brain-stem Response in Degenerative Diseases of the Brain-stem

Abstract

Auditory brain-stem responses (ABRs) from six patients with degenerative disease of the brain-stem (spinocerebellar degeneration 3; neuro-Behcet 2; multiple sclerosis 1) were recorded. These cases were suspected of having wide and relatively severe damage to the brain-stem. By neurotological examination and X-ray findings (CT scan), the lesions were comparable to those of a brain-stem tumor case in which only wave I of the ABR was recordable. The latencies of the wave I and V of cases studied were within the normal range. The amplitude of the ABR showed no remarkable changes. From these data we conclude that in some degenerative diseases of the brain stem the ABR appears normal. © 1980, The Society of Practical Otolaryngology. All rights reserved.