[Audiovestibular study in Friedreich's ataxia]

A preliminary report is presented of the audiovestibular findings in 16 cases of typical Friedreich ataxia. Many ENG abnormalities of the central type were found, the most frequent being square waves, ocular dysmetria, and disorganized pursuit of the pendulum. The other abnormal findings were less frequent or less specific. Peripheral vestibular and auditory impairment were not the rule. Eventually, the electronystagmogram could become an early paraclinical screening test of Friedreich's disease.