A decade of treating brain stem gliomas: Single institutional experience

Introduction: Brainstem is a rare yet challenging site for primary brain tumors. We present the patient characteristics, treatment?related details, and survival outcomes of patients with brain stem gliomas treated over a decade, from August 2010 to July 2022, at a tertiary care center in northern India. Materials and Methods: Twenty?seven patients of brainstem gliomas were treated in our hospital from August 2010 to July 2022. All of these patients were treated with radiation therapy based on a radiological diagnosis only. Data were collected and analyzed from patient registration, treatment, and follow?up records. Results: Of the 27 patients, 18 were male and 9 were female. Fourteen patients (51.85%) were in the pediatric age group (<12 years). The most common symptom at onset was hemiparesis, seen in 62.96%. The majority of the patients (24; 88.88%) had pontine involvement at the time of treatment. Overall survival at a minimum 2?year follow?up post?treatment was 22.22% in the entire cohort. Age, sex, or size of tumor at presentation was not seen to have any significant impact on survival of patients. Conclusion: With the advancement in surgical techniques and molecular analysis of brain tumors, there is likely to be a change in the management of brainstem gliomas; however, radiation therapy has been used for the management of these tumors for decades now. Radiation therapy continues to show rapid and significant radiological and clinical improvement in the majority of such patients, and it would continue to play an important part in multi?modality management.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential variability in unmedicated schizophrenic patients

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is one of the most incapacitating and financially disastrous medical conditions and ranks among the most severe and burdensome diseases in the world due to the onset, progression, and frequency of disability. Few researches have been reported that SCZ is linked to a number of neurophysiological abnormalities, including changes in brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs). Aims and Objectives: The current study aimed to measure brainstem function using BAEPs in patients with SCZ and compare their findings with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional case–control study was conducted on 51 schizophrenic drug-naive patients selected from the outpatient department of psychiatry, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV, aged 18-28 years, male and female, with a matching control group of 50 subjects recruited from patients’ relatives. For assessing the severity of SCZ, the positive and negative syndrome scale was utilized. The BAEPs were recorded using a brainstem-evoked response audiometry (BERA) device (NeuroStim-NS 2). Data were analyzed using Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test based on normality. P-value was considered significant at P < 0.05, P < 0.01 level. Results: A significant difference was observed in patients and control group BAEPs. The absolute latency of waves I and III in the right ear, waves I and V, IPL I-III in the left ear was shown to be significantly different. The results demonstrate that the patient group’s mean latency was higher than the controls. Conclusion: Based on findings, it was concluded that abnormal BAEPs in schizophrenic patients might be attributed to their primary symptom of discontinuity in perceptual and other cerebral functions and slower transmission in the lower brainstem auditory pathway and decreased activity at the brainstem level.

Enfermedad desmielinizante asociada a anticuerpos MOG y encefalitis de tallo crónica: cuándo sospecharla / Demyelinating disease associated with MOG-IgG antibodies and chronic brainstem encephalitis: When to suspect it

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad asociada a la glicoproteína oligodendrocitaria de mielina (MOGAD) comprende un espectro amplio de manifestaciones clínicas y hallazgos imagenológicos, donde la evidencia reciente indica que la encefalitis de tallo es una posible manifestación de MOGAD. Presentación de caso: Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 32 años con curso de enfermedad fluctuante y buena respuesta a esteroides, con afectación predominante del tallo cerebral de nueve años de evolución y posterior compromiso del nervio óptico. La paciente no cumplía criterios para esclerosis múltiple o neuromielitis óptica y otros diagnósticos diferenciales fueron excluidos. Finalmente, el diagnóstico de MOGAD fue confirmado mediante la detección de anticuerpos IgG contra la proteína MOG. Discusión: Las lesiones de tallo cerebral en MOGAD se han descrito en el 30 % de los casos de una cohorte española de pacientes positivos para MOG-IgG. Las lesiones tienden a ser bilaterales, mal definidas y de gran tamaño. A pesar de que los bajos títulos del examen pueden generar dudas sobre el diagnóstico, Banwell et al. recientemente propusieron unos nuevos criterios diagnósticos que incluyen bajos títulos de MOG-IgG y, ante ello, los criterios clínicos de soporte apoyan el diagnóstico. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con signos de encefalitis de tallo sin clara etiología deben ser evaluados con anticuerpos asociados a la proteína MOG, para confirmar o descartar el diagnóstico.

Abstract Introduction: MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) comprises a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and imaging findings. Recent evidence indicates that brainstem encephalitis is a possible manifestation of MOGAD. Case presentation: We present the case of a 32-year-old female patient with a 9-year history of a fluctuating disease course and good response to steroids, with almost exclusive brainstem involvement and subsequent optic nerve involvement. The patient did not meet the criteria for multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica, and other differentials were excluded. The diagnosis of MOGAD was confirmed by IgG antibodies against the MOG protein. Discussion: Brainstem lesions in MOGAD have been described in 30% of a Spanish cohort of MOG-IgG positive patients. The lesions tend to be bilateral, poorly defined, and large. Although low titers on the assay may raise doubts about the diagnosis, Banwell et al recently proposed new diagnostic criteria that include low MOG-IgG titers. In the face of low titers, the supporting clinical criteria support the diagnosis. Conclusions: Patients with signs of brainstem encephalitis without a clear etiology should be evaluated for MOG-associated antibodies to confirm or rule out the diagnosis.

Brainstem auditory evoked responses in newly diagnosed untreated hypothyroid females

Background: Hypothyroidism stands as a prevalent endocrine disorder, affecting females more than males. Among the array of otolaryngological manifestations linked with thyroid dysfunctions, sensorineural hearing loss emerges as the most frequently encountered issue. Evoked potentials serve as valuable tools extensively utilized in studying brain disturbances. Among these evoked potentials, Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) stands out as one of the methods employed for assessing the pathology within the brainstem auditory pathway. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the auditory sensory process in the brainstem using BAERs in newly diagnosed untreated hypothyroid individuals. Materials and Methods: Forty newly diagnosed untreated hypothyroid females of 20–50 years were taken as cases and forty age-matched females were considered controls. The hypothyroidism was diagnosed by estimating the serum levels of free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone. After getting informed written consent, the absolute latencies and interpeak latencies of BAER were recorded using NeuroPerfect EMG 2000 system with installed BAER in the research laboratory, Department of Physiology, Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore, and the data were analyzed by student unpaired t-test. Results: The absolute latencies I, III, V and interpeak latencies I- III, III- V, I – V were significantly prolonged in newly diagnosed untreated hypothyroid females (P < 0.0001) and also there was a direct correlation between thyroid profile changes and the BAER latencies. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that hypothyroidism impacts the auditory pathway diffusely and early identification of auditory pathway involvement in thyroid hormone deficiency can be achieved using BAER. Prolonged BAER latencies observed in newly diagnosed untreated hypothyroid females are attributed to defective myelination of neural pathways and diminished cerebral metabolism. Hence, integrating BAER recordings into screening protocols could enhance the accuracy and early assessment of neurological involvement in hypothyroid females.

Change of brainstem auditory-evoked potential in vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attack patients

Background: Transient ischemic attack describes the symptoms of the nervous system which occurs due to insufficient circulation that lasts for <24 h. Its clinical manifestations tend to disappear quickly and it is also considered as an indicator of stroke. Brainstem auditory-evoked potentials are responses of the brainstem by auditory stimulation. Vertebrobasilar (VB) transient ischemia can cause brainstem ischemia which can induce BAEP changes. Hence, it becomes necessary to evaluate the electrophysiological changes in VB transient ischemic attack (VBTIA) patients for early detection of neuronal changes and prevention of full-blown stroke. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the changes in brainstem auditory-evoked potential in VB TIA patients with normal subject. Materials and Methods: Auditory-evoked potential was recorded in 40 patients with VBTIA and 40 normal control groups. This study was conducted at the Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur. Results: The absolute latency of wave V was prolonged and a reduction in amplitude of wave V was observed in patients with VBTIA and it was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: This study is very much useful to identify the early detection of the progression of stroke in VB TIA patients. Further studies are required to evaluate the correlation between the electrophysiological parameters and progression into stroke so that preventive measures can be used to prevent early involvement of Stroke.

Study on gene therapy for DPOAE and ABR threshold changes in adult Otof-/- mice / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:This study aims to analyze the threshold changes in distortion product otoacoustic emissions（DPOAE） and auditory brainstem response（ABR） in adult Otof-/- mice before and after gene therapy, evaluating its effectiveness and exploring methods for assessing hearing recovery post-treatment. Methods:At the age of 4 weeks, adult Otof-/- mice received an inner ear injection of a therapeutic agent containing intein-mediated recombination of the OTOF gene, delivered via dual AAV vectors through the round window membrane（RWM）. Immunofluorescence staining assessed the proportion of inner ear hair cells with restored otoferlin expression and the number of synapses.Statistical analysis was performed to compare the DPOAE and ABR thresholds before and after the treatment. Results:AAV-PHP. eB demonstrates high transduction efficiency in inner ear hair cells. The therapeutic regimen corrected hearing loss in adult Otof-/- mice without impacting auditory function in wild-type mice. The changes in DPOAE and ABR thresholds after gene therapy are significantly correlated at 16 kHz. Post-treatment,a slight increase in DPOAE was observeds,followed by a recovery trend at 2 months post-treatment. Conclusion:Gene therapy significantly restored hearing in adult Otof-/- mice, though the surgical delivery may cause transient hearing damage. Precise and gentle surgical techniques are essential to maximize gene therapy's efficacy.

Correlation Analysis and Comparison of Adult CE-Chirp ABR Response Threshold and Pure Tone Hearing Threshold / 法医学杂志

Objective To study the application of CE-Chirp in the evaluation of hearing impairment in forensic medicine by testing the auditory brainstem response(ABR)in adults using CE-Chirp to ana-lyze the relationship between the V-wave response threshold of CE-Chirp ABR test and the pure tone hearing threshold.Methods Subjects(aged 20-77 with a total of 100 ears)who underwent CE-Chirp ABR test in Changzhou De'an Hospital from January 2018 to June 2019 were selected to obtain the V-wave response threshold,and pure tone air conduction hearing threshold tests were conducted at 0.5,1.0,2.0 and 4.0 kHz,respectively,to obtain pure tone listening threshold.The differences and statistical differences between the average pure tone hearing threshold and V-wave response threshold were compared in different hearing levels and different age groups.The correlation,differences and statistical differences between the two tests at each frequency were analyzed for all subjects.The lin-ear regression equation for estimating pure tone hearing threshold for all subjects CE-Chirp ABR V-wave response threshold was established,and the feasibility of the equation was tested.Results There was no statistical significance in the CE-Chirp ABR response threshold and pure tone hearing threshold dif-ference between different hearing level groups and different age groups(P>0.05).There was a good correlation between adult CE-Chirp ABR V-wave response threshold and pure tone hearing threshold with statistical significance(P<0.05),and linear regression analysis showed a significant linear correla-tion between the two(P<0.05).Conclusion The use of CE-Chirp ABR V-wave response threshold can be used to evaluate subjects'pure tone hearing threshold under certain conditions,and can be used as an audiological test method for forensic hearing impairment assessment.

Motor cortex stimulation for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia after brainstem infarction:A case report / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Secondary trigeminal neuralgia after brainstem infarction is rare and rarely reported.A patient with secondary trigeminal neuralgia after brainstem infarction was admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery,Xiangya Hospital,Central South University.The patient was a 44 years old male who underwent motor cortex stimulation treatment after admission.The effect was satisfactory in the first week after surgery,but the effect was not satisfactory after one week.This disease is relatively rare and the choice of clinical treatment still requires long-term observation.

Normal Values of Ipsilateral and Contralateral Auditory Brainstem Responses Induced by Click in Normal Hearing Youth of Different Gender / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To study the characteristics of ipsilateral and contralateral ABRs in young adults with normal hearing,and the differences between the genders and recording sides(ipsilateral vs.contralateral).Methods Eighty-eight subjects(176 ears)aged 18 to 21 years old were recruited to perform ipsilateral and contralateral ABRs evoked by 70 dB nHL click.The mean and standard deviation of the latency of waves Ⅰ,Ⅲ,Ⅴ and the in-terpeak interval of Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ and Ⅰ-Ⅴ of ipsilateral,and waves Ⅲ,Ⅴ and the interpeak interval ABRs of Ⅲ-Ⅴof contralateral ABRs were calculated.The ANOVA was used to study the differences between the males and fe-males,and between ipsilateral and contralateral recordings.Results Males showed delayed peak and interpeak la-tency in waves Ⅲ,Ⅴ,Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ,Ⅰ-Ⅴ(F=13.13～60.82,P＜0.001).The peak and interpeak latency of waves Ⅲ,Ⅴ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ(F=22.43～76.18,P＜0.001)showed difference between ipsilateral and contralateral ABRs.The latency of ipsilateral ABRs in waves Ⅲ were delayed,but in other components were earlier.Conclusion This study established the normal values of ipsilateral and contralateral ABRs in young adults with normal hearing,and reported the gender and recording sides(ipsilateral vs.contralateral)differences in ABRs.

The Characteristics of Auditory Brainstem Response Waveform in Autistic Children with Normal Hearing / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of auditory brainstem response(ABR)in clinical detection and severity assessment of autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in children with normal hearing.Methods ① A total of 55 autistic children(110 ears)with normal hearing and 55 children(110 ears)with typical development(TD)who did not differ in sex composition ratio and average monthly age were divided into four sub-groups according to age:≤24 months group(22 ears),25～36 months group(40 ears),37～48 months group(28 ears)and＞48 months group(20 ears).The ABR latencies and interpeak latencies were compared between ASD children and age-matched TD children.② ASD children were graded by severity according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Dis-orders(DSM-V),and the correlations between the ABR latencies and interpeak latencies in autistic children with normal hearing and the severity grading were studied.Results ① No statistically significant differences in ABR wave latencies and interpeak latencies were found in autistic children with normal hearing under 24 months of age compared to age-matched TD children(P＞0.05).② Compared with children with TD,autistic children with nor-mal hearing at 25～36 months of age had significantly longer wave Ⅲ latencies and the interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ andⅠ-Ⅴ;the significantly longer wave Ⅲ,Ⅴ latencies,the interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ and Ⅰ-Ⅴ in autistic chil-dren with normal hearing at 37～48 months of age.Autistic children with normal hearing in the＞48 months group had significantly longer wave Ⅴ latencies and interpeak latencies of Ⅲ-Ⅴ,Ⅰ-Ⅴ than age-matched TD children(P＜0.05).③ The higher the ASD severity grading the longer the wave Ⅲ and V latencies and the longer interpeak latencies of Ⅰ-Ⅲ,Ⅲ-Ⅴ,and Ⅰ-Ⅴ(P＜0.05).Conclusion Differences in the level of auditory brainstem pathway de-velopment emerged at 25 months of age,and autistic children with normal hearing had significantly lower levels of auditory brainstem development than age-matched TD children.There were correlations between the latencies and interpeak latencies of ABR in autistic children with normal hearing and the severity grading.

Digital characteristics of brainstem morphology and age-related development in young children / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Previous brain studies have mostly focused on adults and fetuses,and the developmental characteristics of young children's brainstems have rarely been studied. OBJECTIVE:To observe the brainstem development characteristics of healthy young children and to explore the age-related differences and their correlation with sex. METHODS:From January 2019 to April 2022,a retrospective study of 3.0T MRI images of 174 children aged 2 to 6 years in the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University was conducted,and the median sagittal diameter,area and angle of the brainstem(including midbrain,pons and medulla oblongata)were measured. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There is an age-related increase in the anterior and posterior diameters of the midbrain,pons and medulla oblongata in the 2-5 years old group as well as in the longitudinal diameter and area of the midbrain,pons and medulla oblongata in the 2-6 years old group.Except for the longitudinal diameter of the medulla oblongata,all others show a positive correlation with age(r>0,P<0.05).In the 2-3 years old group and 4-5 years old group,the children are in the rapid growth and development stage,and these two age groups can be used as the key observation indicators for the development of young children.The anterior-posterior diameter,longitudinal diameter,area of the pons and total brainstem area are strongly correlated with age,which can be used as the key observation indicators for the brainstem development in young children.

Audiogram Estimation by Auditory Brainstem Response with NB CE-Chirp LS stimulus in Normal Hearing Infants

Abstract Introduction NB CE-Chirp LS was developed to improve the audiogram estimation by auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds during audiological assessment of infants and difficult to test children. However, before we know how the stimulus behaves in several types of hearing loss, it is important we know how the stimulus behaves in normal hearing infants. Objective To describe ABR thresholds with NB CE-Chirp LS stimulus for 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz, as well as the amplitude and absolute latency for ABR thresholds. Methods Auditory brainstem response thresholds were evaluated with the Eclipse EP25 system. NB CE-Chirp LS was presented using an ER-3A insert earphone. EEG filter was 30 Hz high-pass and 1,500 Hz low-pass. The ABR threshold was defined as the lowest intensity capable of clearly evoke wave V, accompanied by an absent response 5 dB below. Results Eighteen normal hearing infants were evaluated. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the ABR threshold (dB nHL) were: 23.8 (±4.2); 14.4 (±5.7); 6.0 (±5.0); and 7.0 (±5.9). The mean and SD of the absolute latency (ms) were: 8.86 (±1.12); 9.21 (±0.95); 9.44 (±0.78); and 9.64 (±0.52). The mean amplitude (nV) and SD were: 0.123 (±0.035); 0.127 (±0.039); 0.141 (±0.052); and 0.105 (±0.028), respectively, for 500, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 Hz. Conclusion Auditory brainstem response threshold with NB CE-Chirp LS reaches low levels, in special for high frequencies. It provides absolute latencies similar between frequencies with robust amplitude. The results obtained brings to the examiner more confidence in the results registered.

Manejo quirúrgico de los tumores difusos de tronco pediátricos / Surgical management of diffuse brainstem high-grade gliomas

Introducción: Los tumores difusos de tronco representan aproximadamente el 10% de los tumores pediátricos de SNC. Dentro de este grupo se encuentran los gliomas difusos de línea media H3K27M, los cuales presentan mal pronóstico, con una media de supervivencia de entre 9 a 15 meses. La búsqueda de marcadores moleculares es una gran herramienta oncológica al momento de desarrollar nuevas terapéuticas para estos pacientes. Es por esto que la biopsia quirúrgica representa, hoy en día, un eslabón fundamental. Objetivos: El objetivo de este artículo es comunicar, mediante la presentación de dos casos clínicos, el manejo de los tumores difusos de tronco pediátricos mediante su biopsia quirúrgica a cielo abierto por abordaje subtemporal. Descripción de casos: Se presentan dos casos de pacientes pediátricos a quienes se les realizó una biopsia de tronco mediante abordaje subtemporal en el año 2022 en el servicio de neurocirugía pediátrica de la Fundación para la Lucha contra las Enfermedades Neurológicas de la Infancia (Fleni). El resultado de la anatomía patológica en ambos pacientes resultó de glioma difuso de línea media H3K27M. Se realiza además una revisión de la técnica quirúrgica del abordaje subtemporal. Intervención: Ambos pacientes evolucionaron sin complicaciones en el postoperatorio y mantuvieron seguimiento y tratamiento dirigido por oncología. Aun cuando la práctica más utilizada es la biopsia estereotáctica, nosotros preferimos la vía subtemporal a cielo abierto. La misma ha probado resultar efectiva para la obtención de suficiente material tumoral para realizar marcadores oncológicos, con buen control de hemostasia, sin mayores comorbilidades ni demoras en el inicio del tratamiento. Conclusión: Los tumores difusos de tronco pediátricos presentan un pronóstico ominoso, aún realizando tratamiento oncológico dirigido. La biopsia quirúrgica resulta fundamental a fin de obtener un mayor entendimiento respecto a la gran diversidad biológica que subyace a estas entidades y sus opciones terapéuticas, tanto actuales como futuras. El abordaje subtemporal es una excelente vía para realizar su biopsia(AU)

Background: Brainstem diffuse tumors represent approximately 10% of pediatric CNS tumors. Among them, H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are rare childhood central nervous system tumors that carry a dismal prognosis, with a mean survival time of 9-15 months. Tumor biopsy is not only helpful for addressing a correct diagnosis, but is also an important strategy for the continuous study of further therapeutic options, given the former known bad prognosis with standard treatment. Objective: Our objective is to communicate, through the presentation of two clinical cases, our experience with these tumors by performing a biopsy through a subtemporal approach. Cases description: Two patients underwent tumor biopsy through a subtemporal approach at our institution in 2022. Both patients presented with MRIs compatible with diffuse pons gliomas. These cases were retrospectively reviewed and the surgical approach described.We also review and compare the different surgical approaches as well as treatment options for this pathology. Surgery: The patients presented no postoperative complication. Both patient's biopsy results were H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas and underwent oncological treatment and follow up. Although stereotactic biopsy is the most commonly used practice, at our institution we choose to use open surgery through a subtemporal approach. It has proven to provide a better surgical view with a chance of greater biopsy samples, satisfactory bleeding control with no added comorbidities. Nowadays, biopsy has proven fundamental for the treatment and follow up of these patients. Conclusion: DMGs are rare childhood central nervous system tumors that carry a dismal prognosis. Historically, biopsy for brainstem diffuse tumors was used only when the diagnosis was not clear. Nowadays, with the forthcoming of different surgical techniques and the development of new subtypes of molecular targets, the biopsy seems a fundamental step. The subtemporal approach is an excellent alternative to biopsy this pathology(AU)

Evaluation Of Hearing Impairment In Very Low Birth Weight Neonates By Otoacoustic Emissions And Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry

Objective: The study aimed at investigating the diagnostic performance of two sequential otoacoustic emissions and Brainstem evoked response audiometry in detecting hearing impairment in very low birth weight neonates. Methods: A total of 102 very low birth weight neonates admitted in Neonatal intensive care unit, Department of Pediatrics were screened by Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE) pre-discharge (>34 weeks post-menstrual age). At the follow up visit i.e. at 6 weeks to 3 months corrected age both DPOAE and BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) was done. Results: The results showed a Male preponderance was observed in our study (M: F=54:48). For the Left ear Sensitivity, Speci?city, Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive value of OAE 1 was 100%, 78%, 8.33% and 100% respectively. For the Right ear Sensitivity, Speci?city, Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive value was OAE 1 100%, 78.22%, 4.35% and 100% respectively. For the Left ear Sensitivity, Speci?city, Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive value of OAE 2 was 100%, 100%, 100% and 100% respectively. For the Right ear Sensitivity, Speci?city, Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive value was OAE 2 100%, 100%, and 99% respectively. Conclusion: Though OAE cannot replace BERA for detection of sensorineural hearing loss a 2-step sequential OAE has shown to have bene?cial diagnostic performance

Wave V threshold among children with delayed speech and language, using brainstem evoked response audiometry – A cross-sectional study

Background: Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) is an objective test for audiometric assessment of children. As deprived linguistic skill is often associated with auditory impairment in initial years of life; early diagnosis and interventions are much needed. Aim and Objective: To detect Wave V, in the lowest intensity, as it is a reliable parameter to assess BERA threshold for hearing among different age group of children. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 250 children (n = 250) with impaired speech and 120 normal children. The case population was divided into four groups according to age – Group 1 (<1 year); Group 2 (1–3 years); Group3 (3–6 years); and Group 4 (6–12 years). Wave V threshold was determined by BERA (measure brainstem auditory evoked potential). Cases were also divided into two categories depending on unilateral or bilateral involvement of ear. Mean threshold of each group was compared with corresponding control group of similar age. The test of significance used was Mann–Whitney U-test. Intragroup comparison was done by Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: In Group 1, 91.7%; Group 2, 100%; Group 3; 88.6%, and Group 4; 85% of children were suffering from bilateral hearing loss. In all the groups, mean threshold was statistically significantly increased in comparison with control group. In intragroup comparison, there was no statistically significant difference of threshold among all the groups of cases in both of the ears. Conclusions: This study identified increased wave V threshold in children with impaired speech of all four groups. Thereby, it indicates the necessity of BERA as screening method.

Limiar Diferencial de mascaramento e potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico em adultos normo-ouvintes com zumbido / Masking Level Difference and Auditory Brainstem ResponseIn Normal Hearing Adults With Tinnitus / Umbral de enmascaramiento diferencial y potencial evocado auditivo del tronco encefálico en adultos con audición normal y tinnitus

Introdução: O zumbido é uma ilusão auditiva consciente, uma sensação sonora não relacionada com uma fonte externa de estimulação. Objetivos: Caracterizar a Acufenometria, Limiar Diferencial de Mascaramento, o questionário de qualidade de vida Inventário de Desvantagem do Zumbido e Potencial Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico em adultos normo-ouvintes com zumbido, com a finalidade de comparar seus achados. Método: Vinte indivíduos do sexo feminino e masculino, entre 20 e 60 anos de idade, normo-ouvintes com queixa de zumbido, foram submetidos ao Acufenometria, Limiar Diferencial de Mascaramento, Inventário de Desvantagem do Zumbido e Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico. Resultados: AAcufenometriarevelou que o pitch médio foi de 4,3 KHz à orelha direita e 4,6 KHz à orelha esquerda. O loudness médio foi de 21,7 dBNS à orelha direita e 23,5 dBNS à orelha esquerda. O Limiar Diferencial de Mascaramento médio mostrou-se alterado. O Inventário de Desvantagem do Zumbido médio correspondeu à classificação de grau leve. O Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico apresentou parâmetros dentro da normalidade bilateralmente. Conclusão: Constatou-se que adultos normo-ouvintes com queixa de zumbido apresentam zumbido de pitch agudo bilateral com discreto impacto na qualidade de vida, condução adequada das vias auditivas até o tronco encefálico e comprometimento na identificação de sons na presença de ruído, demonstrando que o zumbido pode ter repercussões nas habilidades auditivas centrais. (AU)

Introduction: Tinnitus is a conscious auditory illusion, a sound perception unrelated to any external stimulus source. Objectives: To characterize the Acuphenometry, Masking Level Difference, the quality of life questionnaire Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Auditory Brainstem Response in normal hearing adults with tinnitus, with the purpose of comparing the findings. Method: Twenty female and male individuals, between 20 and 60 years of age, normal hearing with complaints of tinnitus, underwent Acuphenometry, Masking Level Difference, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Auditory Brainstem Response. Results: The Acuphenometry showed the average pitch was 4.3 KHz to the right ear and 4.6 KHz to the left ear. The average loudness was 21.7 dBSL to the right ear and 23.5 dBs to the left ear. The average Masking Level Difference was altered. The average Tinnitus Handicap Inventory corresponded to the classification of mild grade. Auditory Brainstem Response showed parameters within normal range bilaterally. Conclusion: It was found that normal hearing adults with tinnitus complaints have bilateral acute pitch tinnitus with a slight impact on quality of life, appropriate conduction of auditory pathways to the brainstem and impaired identification of sounds in the presence of noise, demonstrating that tinnitus can have repercussions on central auditory skills. (AU)

Introducción: El tinnitus es una ilusión auditiva consciente, una sensación de sonido no relacionada con una fuente externa de estimulación. Objetivos: Caracterizar la coincidencia de tono y volumen, el umbral de enmascaramiento diferencial, el inventario de minusvalía para acúfenos y el potencial auditivo del tronco encefálico en adultos normoyentes con acúfenos, con el fin de comparar sus hallazgos. Método:Veinte sujetos masculinos y femeninos, con edades entre 20 y 60 años, audición normal con tinnitus, fueron sometidos a acúfenos, Umbral de Enmascaramiento Diferencial, Inventario de Desventajas de Tinnitus y Potenciales Evocados Auditivos del Tronco Encefalico. Resultados: La combinación de tono y volumen reveló que el tono promedio era de 4,3 KHz en el oído derecho y de 4,6 KHz en el oído izquierdo. Mientras que el volumen medio fue de 21,7 dBNS para el oído derecho y de 23,5 dBNS para el oído izquierdo. Se modificó el umbral diferencial de enmascaramiento promedio. El Inventario de Desventajas de Tinnitus promedio correspondió a la clasificación de grado leve. El Potenciales Evocados Auditivos del Tronco Encefalico presentó parámetros dentro del rango normal bilateralmente. Conclusión:Se encontró que los adultos normooyentes con quejas de tinnitus presentan tinnitus de tono alto bilateral con leve impacto en la calidad de vida, conducción adecuada de las vías auditivas al tronco encefálico y deterioro en la identificación de sonidos en presencia de ruido, demostrando que Tinnitus puede tener repercusiones en las habilidades auditivas centrales. (AU)

Potenciais evocados auditivos de tronco encefálico em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson: revisão de literatura / Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in individuals with Parkinson's disease: literature review

Objetivo: investigar a integridade da via auditiva por meio do Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico (PEATE) em indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson (DP) por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Métodos: foram utilizadas as bases de dados Embase, Google acadêmico, Scielo, bem como o portal eletrônico completo da Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde, com os seguintes descritores: DP (Parkinson Disease ou Parkinsonian Disorders) e PEATE (Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ou Evoked Potentials, Auditory). Foram selecionados artigos nacionais e internacionais, sem limitação de ano ou idioma. Os estudos foram descritos e analisados qualitativamente e quantitativamente quanto à latência absoluta e à amplitude das ondas I, III e V, e quanto aos interpicos I-III, III-V e I-V. Resultados: após exclusão dos títulos repetidos, 420 artigos foram encontrados, sendo que 17 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Nos resultados do PEATE, estudos descreveram o aumento da latência de todas as ondas, principalmente das ondas III e V e, também, aumento dos interpicos I-V e III-V. Conclusão: indivíduos com DP apresentam neurodegeneração das vias auditivas centrais com diminuição na velocidade de transmissão neural do estímulo acústico.

Purpose: investigate the integrity of the auditory pathway through the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) through an integrative literature review. Methods: Embase, Academic Google, Scielo databases were used, as well as the complete electronic portal of the Virtual Health Library, with the following descriptors: PD (Parkinson Disease or Parkinsonian Disorders) and BAEP (Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem or Evoked Potentials, Auditory). National and international articles were selected, without limitation of year or language. The studies were described and analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively regarding the absolute latency and amplitude of waves I, III and V, and regarding the interpeaks I-III, III-V and I-V. Results: After excluding repeated titles, 420 articles were found, however only 17 met the inclusion criteria. In the ABR results, studies described the increase in latency of all waves, especially waves III and V, and also an increase in interpeaks I-V and III-V. Conclusion: individuals with PD present neurodegeneration of the central auditory pathways with a decrease in the neural transmission speed of the acoustic stimulus.

Endoscopic botulinum toxin injection combined with balloon dilatation for treatment of cricopharyngeal achalasia in patient with brainstem stroke / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#At present, there are many reports about the treatment of cricopharyngeal achalasia by injecting botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) into cricopharyngeal muscle guided by ultrasound, electromyography or CT in China, but there is no report about injecting BTX-A into cricopharyngeal muscle guided by endoscope. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic BTX-A injection combined with balloon dilatation in the treatment of cricopharyngeal achalasia after brainstem stroke, and to provide a better method for the treatment of dysphagia after brainstem stroke.@*METHODS@#From June to December 2022, 30 patients with cricopharyngeal achalasia due to brainstem stroke were selected from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, the First Hospital of Changsha. They were randomly assigned into a control group and a combined group, 15 patients in each group. Patients in both groups were treated with routine rehabilitation therapy, while patients in the control group were treated with balloon dilatation, and patients in the combined group were treated with balloon dilatation and BTX-A injection. Before treatment and after 2 weeks of treatment, the patients were examined by video fluoroscopic swallowing study, Penetration-aspiration Scale (PAS), Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale (DOSS), and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) were used to assess the swallowing function.@*RESULTS@#In the combined group, 1 patient withdrew from the treatment because of personal reasons. Two weeks after treatment, the scores of DOSS, PAS, and FOIS in both groups were better than those before treatment (all P<0.01), and the combined group was better than the control group (all P<0.001). The effective rate was 85.7% in the combined group and 66.7% in the control group, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#BTX-A injection combined with balloon dilatation is more effective than balloon dilatation alone in improving swallowing function and is worthy of clinical application.

A comparison of the human voice (“Baah”) test and the automated auditory brainstem response in detecting neonates with hearing loss in a community setting

Objective@#To assess the usage of the “Baah” Test compared to the AABR (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response) in detecting hearing loss of neonates in the community setting. @*Methods@#This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. The targeted sample population are infants less than a month old who underwent screening at a testing facility in Malolos, Bulacan spanning the years 2011 and 2012. @*Results@#A total of 201 infants were included in the study, with a mean age of 10.77 days with a standard deviation of 7.79. The ratio of males to females was almost equal at 1:1.01. For infants who passed hearing screening on at least one ear, 96% (193 infants) correlated with the results of “Baah” testing. For those with bilateral refer results on AABR, 4 out of the 6 correlated with the “Baah” Test. @*Conclusion@#There is potential in using the “Baah” Test as a tool for hearing loss assessment of infants in situations wherein the usual hearing screening tests are inaccessible. It makes use of little resources, and though it does have its limitations in assessing for unilateral hearing loss (as the test cannot test ears in isolation), it would be able to identify infants likely to have bilateral hearing loss.

Clinical study of microsurgical treatment of pontine hemorrhage with retrosigmoid approach from the cer-ebellopontine angle / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy of the retrosigmoid sinus approach through the cerebellopontine angle in the treatment of pontine hemorrhage.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 108 patients with pontine hemorrhage in Kaifeng Central Hospital from January 2016 to June 2022.They were divided into two groups according to the treatment methods,the conservative treatment group and the craniotomy treatment group(transcerebellopontine angle sigmoid sinus posterior approach).There were 94 cases in the conservative treatment group and 14 cases in the surgical treatment group.First analysis was conducted to examined whether there are differences in gender,age,Glasgow Coma Score(GCS)on admission,bleeding volume,comorbidities and complications between the two groups.Additional analysis was performed to analyze modified Rankin(modified Rankin scale,mRS)score and mortality rate after three month follow-up in case there was no significant difference at first analysis.Results There were no statistical differences in gender,age,Glasgow Coma Score(GCS)on admission,bleeding volume,comorbidities and complications between the two groups.After 3 months of follow-up,49 patients died in the conservative treatment group and 3 patients in the craniotomy treatment group.The mortality rates of the two groups were 52.1％and 21.4％respectively(χ2=4.600,P<0.05)).There was a statistical difference in the mortality rate between the two groups,and the mortality rate of the craniotomy treatment group was significantly lower than that of the conservative group.The modified Rankin score was 4(3,5)in the conservative treatment group and 3(2,3)in the craniotomy group(Z=-2.994,P<0.01).The modified Rankin score in the craniotomy group was lower than that in conservative treatment group after 3 months.Conclusion Microsurgery through the cerebellopontine angle retrosigmoid sinus approach to treat pontine hemorrhage can significantly reduce patient mortality and improve prognosis and is an effective surgical treatment method.