Clinical Value of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential in the Diagnosis of Vertebrobasilar Ischemia

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the clinical value of brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) in the diagnosis of vertebrobasilar ischemia (VBI). Methods: The subjects were divided into the 2 following groups: an observation group of 300 VBI patients and a control group of 100 normal healthy volunteers. BAEP examination was carried out in both groups, and then the results were analyzed and compared. Results: BAEP abnormalities were observed in 59% (177 out of 300) of the patients in the observation group: brainstem type 64.4% (114 cases), inner-ear type 7.4% (13 cases), and mixed type 28.2% (50 cases). In the control group, abnormalities were observed in only 9% (9 cases): inner-ear type 66.7% (6 cases) and mixed type 33.3% (3 cases). There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in their total abnormality rates (p < 0.05). After the neck twisting test, the BAEP abnormality rate of the observation group rose to 85% (255 cases) and was significantly different from that of normal BAEP (p < 0.05). Conclusion: BAEP is an easy but effective auxiliary means for the noninvasive examination of VBI with a high positive rate, thus providing objective evidence for the diagnosis of VBI that may be useful in future clinical application.