Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials in Dizziness

Abstract

To investigate the role of brainstem dysfunction in patients with dizziness, brainstem evoked responses were recorded, and results of 100 such cases are presented. Dizziness is a symptom complex and careful evaluation of these patients is necessary. If a systematic approach is used, then a correct diagnosis can be achieved in > 95% of the cases. Vascular insufficiency of the brainstem can present as dizziness and may precede a catastrophic vascular infarction by weeks and months. Early recognition of the problem is of paramount importance, since anticoagulation therapy can be started early or other surgically correctable measures can be undertaken to prevent catastrophic infarction.