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[Auditory evoked potentials from brain stem determined in acoustic nerve neurinomas]
B Rostkowska-Nadolska1, J M Sterkers, L Pośpiech
1Katedry i Kliniki Otolaryngologii AM we Wrocławiu.
Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska
|July 10, 1999
Summary
Brain Stem Electric Response Audiometry (BERA) effectively detects acoustic neurinoma, with abnormal results in most patients. Some BERA tests showed normal results, but a slight tumor size correlation was observed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Audiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Acoustic neurinoma, a tumor on the auditory nerve, can cause hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of Brain Stem Electric Response Audiometry (BERA) in patients with acoustic neurinoma.
- To correlate BERA findings with tumor size.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of BERA test results from 88 patients with acoustic neurinoma.
- Patients were grouped by tumor size (intrameatal, up to 2 cm, 2-3 cm, >3 cm).
- Comparison with a control group of 20 individuals with hearing impairments or tinnitus without neurinoma.
Main Results:
- BERA tests showed no response in 22 patients (25%).
- An "extrahelix type" BERA result was observed in 71% of cases, with prolonged latency in 50% on the tumor side.
- 4% of BERA tests yielded normal results.
- A slight correlation between tumor size and BERA changes was noted.
Conclusions:
- BERA is a valuable tool for diagnosing acoustic neurinoma, demonstrating abnormalities in the majority of cases.
- BERA findings, particularly prolonged latency, can indicate the presence and location of acoustic neurinoma.
- While generally abnormal, a small percentage of normal BERA results warrant further investigation.