Auditory evoked potentials and multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease that can affect several areas of the central nervous system. Damage along the auditory pathway can alter its integrity significantly. Therefore, it is important to investigate the auditory pathway, from the brainstem to the cortex, in individuals with MS. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize auditory evoked potentials in adults with MS of the remittent-recurrent type. Method: The study comprised 25 individuals with MS, between 25 and 55 years, and 25 age-and gender-matched healthy controls (research and control groups). Subjects underwent audiological and electrophysiological evaluations. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the results of the auditory brainstem response and the latency of the Na and P300 waves. Conclusion: Individuals with MS present abnormalities in auditory evoked potentials indicating dysfunction of different regions of the central auditory nervous system. Key words: auditory evoked potentials, auditory brain stem evoked potentials, P300 eventrelated potentials, multiple sclerosis.Potenciais evocados auditivos e esclerose múltipla RESUMO A esclerose múltipla é uma doença inflamatória desmielinizante que pode se desenvolver em diversas regiões do sistema nervoso central. O comprometimento da via auditiva central pode alterar significativamente a integridade desta e, portanto, a investigação desta região em indivíduos com esclerose múltipla, desde o tronco encefálico até o córtex, torna-se importante. Objetivo: Caracterizar os resultados dos potenciais evocados auditivos em adultos com esclerose múltipla do tipo remitenterecorrente. Método: Foram submetidos às avaliações audiológica e eletrofisiológica 25 indivíduos pertencentes ao grupo controle e 25 ao grupo pesquisa, com idades entre 25 e 55 anos. Resultados: Verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos quanto à ocorrência de resultados normais e alterados no potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico e latências das ondas Na e P300. Conclusão: Indivíduos com esclerose múltipla apresentam alterações nos potenciais evocados auditivos, indicando comprometimento de diferentes regiões do sistema nervoso auditivo central. Palavras-chave: potenciais evocados auditivos, potenciais evocados auditivos do tronco encefálico, potencial evocado P300, esclerose múltipla.

Hearing disorders in multiple sclerosis

“…They are closely related to abnormalities found in late AEP, especially latency delay of the P300 wave (Matas et al, 2010). It occurs at about 300 ms latency from the stimulus onset in young adults, with larger amplitude over the central-parietal scalp regions.…”

“…Moreover, many studies indicate a significant correlation between auditory P300 latency and crucial demyelinating Levine at al., 1993b. ) plaques seen in MRI on frontal horn and brainstem (Honig et al, 1992;Sailer et al, 2001;Magnano et al, 2006;Matas et al, 2010).…”

Evaluation of brainstem involvement in multiple sclerosis

“…BAEP consists of seven waves generated by one of the structures along the auditory pathway, while AMLR consists of a series of waves that appear after the BAEP and reflect the activation of several subcortical structures. Compared with healthy individuals, patients with relapsing-remitting MS have higher values for latencies of waves III and V and interpeaks I-III and I-V [58]. The same study showed no differences between MS patients and healthy controls for either latency of wave Pa or Na-Pa amplitude of AMLR [58].…”

Effect of integrated Yoga and Physical therapy on audiovisual reaction time, anxiety and depression in patients with chronic multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

“…Chronic MS patients have been shown to have abnormalities in auditory evoked potentials, indicating dysfunction of different regions of the central auditory nervous system [5]. Optic pathway involvement in MS is frequently the initial sign in the disease process [6].…”