BAER - brainstem auditory evoked response?

Answer 1

Definition

Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) is a test to measure the brain wave activity that occurs in response to clicks or certain tones.

Alternative Names

Evoked auditory potentials; BAEP - brainstem auditory evoked potentials; Evoked response audiometry

How the test is performed

You lie on a reclining chair or bed and remain still. Electrodes are placed on your scalp and on each earlobe. The earphones give off a brief click or tone. The electrodes pick up the brain's responses to these sounds and record them. You do not need to be awake for this test.

How to prepare for the test

You may be asked to wash your hair the night before the test.

How the test will feel

There is little discomfort.

Why the test is performed

The test is done to help diagnose nervous system problems and hearing losses (especially in low birth weight newborns), and to assess neurological functions.

Normal Values

The normal range for auditory brain stem values will vary among patients and with the instruments used.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal test results may indicate a hearing loss, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Acoustic neuroma
• Brain injury
• Brain malformation
• Brain tumor
• Central pontine myelinolysis
• Speech disorders

This test may also be performed during surgery to decrease the risk of injury to the auditory nerve and the brain.

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Answer 2

Definition

Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) is a test to measure the brain wave activity that occurs in response to clicks or certain tones.

Alternative Names

Evoked auditory potentials; Brainstem auditory evoked potentials; Evoked response audiometry; Auditory brainstem response; ABR; BAEP

How the test is performed

You lie on a reclining chair or bed and remain still. Electrodes are placed on your scalp and on each earlobe. The earphones give off a brief click or tone. The electrodes pick up the brain's responses to these sounds and record them. You do not need to be awake for this test.

How to prepare for the test

You may be asked to wash your hair the night before the test.

Young children often require some type of sedation (medicine to relax them) so they remain still during the procedure.

Why the test is performed

The test is done to:

• Help diagnose nervous system problems and hearing loss (especially in newborns and children)
• Determine how well the nervous system works

This test may also be performed during surgery to decrease the risk of injury to the hearing nerve and brain.

Normal Values

Normal results vary, and depend on the patient and the instruments used to perform the test.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal test results may be a sign of hearing loss, multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuroma, or stroke.

Abnormal results may also be due to:

• Brain injury
• Brain malformation
• Brain tumor
• Central pontine myelinolysis
• Speech disorders

What the risks are

There are no risks.

References

Brown CJ, Johnson TA. Electrophysiologic assessment of hearing. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010:chap 134.

Emerson RG, Pedley TA. Clinical neurophysiology: Electroencephalography and evoked potentials. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann; 2008:chap 35A.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 08/03/2010

Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.