Clinical correlates of abnormal brain-stem auditory evoked responses in multiple sclerosis

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Abstract
Brain-stem auditory evoked responses (BAER) were examined in 178 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and compared to the frequency of abnormalities in visually evoked responses (VER) and in CSF electrophoresis. In clinically definite MS, BAER were abnormal in 61%, and a significant relationship was noted between disability due to MS and the frequency and severity of BAER abnormalities. In suspected MS, BAER showed evidence of a 2nd lesion in 14% whereas VER indicated a 2nd lesion in 24%. Abnormal BAER in patients with suspected MS with brain-stem signs were significantly associated with the presence of truncal and limb ataxia. In progressive possible MS, abnormal BAER were found in 49% but indicated a 2nd lesion in 35% of patients and were significantly related to the duration of illness. In progressive possible MS, abnormal VER but not abnormal BAER, were significantly associated with the presence of CSF oligoclonal IgG banding. Normal BAER in association with clinical brain-stem abnormalities were found in 24% of patients with clinically definite MS, 50% with suspected MS and 33% with progressive possible MS.