Brainstem auditory evoked potential studies in patients with tinnitus and/or vertigo

The significance of brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) studies in patients with vertigo and/or tinnitus is not universally recognized. In this study, 29 patients with these complaints as the presenting symptoms were evaluated with BAEPs, some of them as part of a work-up for a hearing and vertigo center. Case reports are presented. Absolute and interpeak latencies were related to patients' demographics and to stimulation parameters. Factors that correlated with increased numbers of abnormalities included male gender and higher stimulation rates (30 or 40/sec). Patient age and polarity of the stimulus had no major significance; neither did findings on either the right or left side. Overall, the percentage of cases with abnormalities was high (86.2%). This study confirms the importance of BAEPs in patients with vertigo and/or tinnitus. Furthermore, it is recommended that repeated trials be performed using a variety of parameters in order to facilitate the emergence of subtle abnormalities that would otherwise be missed.