Localizing brain stem lesions with brain stem auditory evoked potentials

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Abstract
Brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in animals and humans with localized brain stem lesions were compared to the BAEP components in normal materials. BAEP examination may localize lesions to a high or low level, and diffuse within the brain stem. In 155 patients with multiple sclerosis, vascular disorders or other lesions of neurological origin, the involvement of the brain stem was clinically estimated as negative, situated at a high or low level, or was diffuse. Correlation between location of the lesions assessed by clinical vs. BAEP examination showed correspondence between negative and abnormal findings, but not with regard to levels within the brain stem. CT[computer tomography]-scanning similarly failed to localize lesions to various levels. This was probably due to poorly circumscribed or widespread lesions. The main value of BAEP in neurological patients was to establish clinically silent lesions, especially in patients with multiple sclerosis and only spinal signs.