Brainstem auditory evoked potentials

Abstract

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) are electrical field potentials generated by stimulation of the auditory pathways. With repetitive auditory stimulation, reproducible electrical potentials can be elicited and recorded from scalp electrodes. These waves are generated by specific brain regions and occur at predictable intervals. Clinically, this neurophysiological property is useful to evaluate the integrity of auditory pathways (plus, by extension, neighboring CNS structures) and to localize defective transmission. This chapter summarizes the methodology and clinical application of BAEPs in the investigation of disorders affecting auditory pathways and the surrounding brainstem. © 2007 Humana Press Inc.