Brainstem auditory evoked responses in primary hypertension.

Brainstem auditory evoked potential responses (BAEPs) were recorded from CZ-A1 and CZ-A2 scalp regions in 23 hypertensive and 14 normotensive subjects. Hypertension was graded depending upon the extent of raised 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 absolute peak latencies of wave I, II, V and interpeak latency of wave III-V indicating involvement of brainstem auditory pathways. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlation of rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with absolute peak latencies of BAEPs in hypertensive patients.