DEFINITION BERA

Alternative Names :
Evoked auditory potentials; BAEP - brainstem auditory evoked potentials; Evoked response audiometry

Definition :

The brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test measures brain wave activity that occurs in response to clicks or certain tones.

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.

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 performed to help diagnose nervous system abnormalities and hearing losses (especially in low birth weight newborns), and to assess neurological functions.

Normal Results :

The auditory brain stem values are in a normal range. This range varies among patients and instruments used.

What Abnormal Results Mean :

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

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Acoustic neuroma
Central pontine myelinolysis

Risks :

There are no risks.


http://www.nlm.nih.gov