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Auditory brain stem response and electrically elicited blink reflex in handicapped children
J Tanaka1, Y Tominaga, T Mimaki
1Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Journal of Child Neurology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
This study found that abnormal auditory brain stem responses and blink reflexes are common in handicapped children, especially those with severe disabilities. Combined testing helps assess brain stem function and lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
Background:
- Evaluating brain stem function is crucial for understanding neurological deficits in children.
- Auditory brain stem response (ABR) and blink reflex are non-invasive electrophysiological tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess brain stem function in 35 handicapped children using ABR and blink reflex.
- To determine the prevalence and correlation of abnormalities in these tests.
- To evaluate the utility of combined testing for delineating brain stem lesions.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological assessment of 35 handicapped children.
- Recording auditory brain stem response (ABR) thresholds.
- Assessing the blink reflex response.
Main Results:
- ABR abnormalities were found in 20 children, and blink reflex abnormalities in 16.
- 14 children exhibited abnormalities in both tests.
- Higher prevalence of abnormalities was observed in severely handicapped children with dysphagia.
Conclusions:
- Combined ABR and blink reflex testing effectively evaluates brain stem function in handicapped children.
- These tests aid in identifying the extent of brain stem lesions.
- The combined approach helps differentiate hearing loss from brain stem dysfunction.