BRAIN-STEM AUDITORY-EVOKED RESPONSES IN PRIMARY HYPERTENSION

Brainstem auditory evoked potential responses (BAEPs) were recorded fr om CZ-A1 and CZ-A2 scalp regions in 23 hypertensive and 14 normotensiv e subjects. Hypertension was graded depending upon the extent of raise d blood pressure. BAEPs in patients of grade I and II hypertension did not show any change when compared to normotensive subjects. However, grade III hypertensive case showed significant prolongation of absolut e peak latencies of wave I, II, V and interpeak latency of wave III-V indicating involvement of brainstem auditory pathways. Multiple regres sion analysis revealed significant correlation of rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with absolute peak latencies of BAEPs in hyp ertensive patients.