Measurement of Brainstem Function Using Auditory Evoked Potentials

The integrity of the vestibulocochlear apparatus can be examined using brainstem auditory evoked potentials.^51-54 This method examines the averaged brain waveform that is generated after an auditory click in the ear. Ablation of the entire cochlear apparatus and vestibular nerve, as might occur with otitis interna, results in a loss or attenuation of waveform activity after the click stimulus. Injury to the brainstem vestibular nuclei or pons results in specific losses of certain waveforms.