A. Stuart et al., NEONATAL, AUDITORY BRAIN-STEM RESPONSES RECORDED FROM 4 ELECTRODE MONTAGES, Journal of communication disorders, 29(2), 1996, pp. 125-139
Simultaneous auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) to click stimuli at 3
0 and 60 dB nHL were recorded from 16 full term neonates with four ele
ctrode arrays: vertical (Cz-Nape of neck), ipsilateral (Cz-Mi), contra
lateral (Cz-Me), and horizontal (Mc-Mi). Results indicated that ABR wa
veforms were morphologically similar to those recorded in adults: Wave
s I, III, and V were clearly identifiable and of the same polarity in
15 of 16 subjects 60 dB nHL and Wave V was clearly identifiable in 14
of 16 subjects at 30 dB nHL. Although ABR waves were identified in mos
t cases, waveforms expression was variable with different electrode re
cording montages. It is suggested that if a clinician must choose one
montage array for recording neonatal ABRs at high intensity levels for
neurodiagnostic evaluations, the ipsilateral recording array is indic
ated since it displays the highest expression of wave components. For
screening applications or threshold searching at lower stimulus levels
, however, either the ipsilateral or vertical montage would be justifi
ed. Further, caution should be employed when interpreting ABR results
in neonates recorded with unconventional montages due to the variable
expression of wave components.