Auditory brain stem responses (ABR) in patients with acute severe closed head injuries. The use of a grading system

ABR were recorded in 68 cases suffering from severe acute closed head injuries. Abnormal recordings were observed in 60 per cent of patients, and the abnormalities ranged from prolongation of the interpeak latency intervals to complete absence of auditory brain stem activity. Based on the results obtained, a grading system was developed and correlated with the neurological outcome. It was concluded that ABR is a useful diagnostic and prognostic tool which can provide valuable information about the function of the brain stem in these patients. Inclusion of ABR studies in the head injury management protocol is strongly recommended.