Effect of caffeine on central auditory pathways: an evoked potential study

Caffeine is consumed in various forms like tea, coffee, chocolates and colas. The present study evaluated the effect of caffeine on auditory brainstem response (ABR), mid latency response (MLR) and slow vertex response (SVR) in 40 male volunteers. The recordings were done using a computerized evoked potential recorder by 10-20 electrode placement system. The subjects consumed 3mg/kg body weight of caffeine after 12h abstinence from caffeine in any form. The data obtained revealed that latencies of waves IV and V along with I-V interpeak interval of ABR decreased significantly. This was accompanied with significant increase in amplitude of wave V. MLR latencies and latency of P1 wave of SVR was significantly decreased following caffeine ingestion. The results indicated that caffeine improves transmission in the peripheral and central brain auditory pathways.