Assessment of visual and auditory evoked potentials in young obese males

Obesity is a chronic condition, affecting central and peripheral nervous system. Studies on cranial nerve conduction in obesity are scarce and unclear; therefore, we planned this study. The aim of this study was to evaluate optic and auditory nerve conductions in obesity.

It was a case-control study, with inclusion of 40 young males (20 obese and 20 controls) in age group of 18-30 years. We recorded pattern reversal visual evoked potential (PRVEP) and brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP). The PRVEP P100 latency and BAEP absolute and interpeak latencies were analyzed.

In obese individuals, BAEP absolute latencies of wave V were significantly prolonged in both the ears and wave I in left ear. In addition, significant prolongation of interpeak latency III-V was observed in both the ears and I-V latency, in right ear among obese cases. A positive correlation was seen between body mass index and interpeak latency I-V. In PRVEP recordings, P100 latency did not show any significant difference in both the groups.

Therefore, we can conclude that obesity does not affect optic nerve conduction, but auditory nerve conduction is affected. BAEP I-V interpeak latency may be an indicator of subclinical auditory conduction defects in young obese males.