Auditory brain stem evoked potentials in patients suffering from peripheral facial nerve palsy and diabetes mellitus.

Forty-two patients affected by acute idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (AIPFP) underwent auditory brainstem evoked potential (ABEP) investigation in order to further our understanding of the nature of facial palsy. Twenty-two of these patients suffered from diabetes mellitus. Our results indicate that the AIPFP of the diabetic person may be considered as a preliminary sign of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.