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Acoustic nerve in peripheral neuropathy: a BAEP study. Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials
D Pareyson1, V Scaioli, E Berta
1Department of Neurology, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy.
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) studies reveal significant acoustic nerve dysfunction in peripheral neuropathies. Demyelinating neuropathies show more severe VIII nerve conduction slowing than axonal types.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathies affect nerve function, potentially impacting cranial nerves.
- Acoustic nerve (VIII cranial nerve) involvement can manifest as auditory pathway dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate acoustic nerve involvement using Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) studies in patients with peripheral neuropathies.
- To differentiate the impact of demyelinating versus axonal neuropathies on the auditory nerve.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 102 patients with peripheral neuropathies underwent BAEP testing.
- Analysis focused on prolonged wave latencies, indicating slowed VIII nerve conduction.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of patients exhibited prolonged BAEP latencies, signifying VIII nerve conduction slowing.
- Abnormalities were significantly more frequent (44% vs. 14%) and severe in demyelinating neuropathies compared to axonal types.
- Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy type III showed the most pronounced latency delays among demyelinating forms.
Conclusions:
- BAEP is a valuable tool for assessing acoustic nerve involvement in peripheral neuropathies.
- Demyelinating neuropathies pose a greater risk for significant auditory nerve dysfunction than axonal types.
- Specific patterns of VIII nerve demyelination may vary between different hereditary and acquired inflammatory neuropathies.