BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response)

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Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response Test

Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Test is also known as Auditory

Brainstem Response; evoked auditory potentials; BAEP, brainstem auditory

evoked potentials; evoked response audiometry.

This test focuses on changes and responses in brain waves that are stimulated

by a clicking sound to evaluate the auditory pathways of the brainstem. The

test is performed by placing the patient in a reclining chair or bed. The

patient is asked to relax and remain still. Electrodes are placed on the

patient’s scalp, along the vertex and on each earlobe. The patient hears

clicking noises or tone bursts through earphones, and the electrodes pick up

the brains response and record it on a graph.

There is very little preparation needed for this test. Patients may be asked

to wash their hair the night before the test. For infants and children, the

physical and psychological preparation that parents can provide for this or

any test or procedure depends on the child's age, interests, previous

experience, and level of trust.

There is no discomfort in the administration of this test and there are no

risks involved to the patient.

This test is ordered by physicians to help diagnose nervous-system

abnormalities, hearing losses (especially in low-birth weight newborns), and

to assess neurologic functions.

The auditory brainstem response is found in all people and consists of five

individual waves named waves I, II, III, IV, and V. Waves I, III, and V are

the most robust of the wave forms. The absolute latencies and interpeak

latencies of these waves are measured. In some cases, the amplitude of the

individual wave forms are measured. The overall morphology of the wave forms

is also evaluated. The auditory brain stem values have a normal range. This

varies among patients and instruments used.

Abnormal ABR findings may consist of delays in the absolute latency times of

the individual waves, or an increased latency time between waves I-V, or

waves I-III, or waves III-V. Poor wave morphology is also considered to be

abnormal. Abnormal findings may indicate a hearing loss, multiple sclerosis,

or a stroke. In rare cases such findings may be suggestive of a benign tumor

of the 8th cranial (acoustic) nerve, located in the ear canal or central

pontine myelinolysis.

http://www.ccent.com/PHS/brain.html

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