Auditory Brainstem Responses & Nerve Conduction Velocity in Essential Hypertension

Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) is an electrophysiologic technique that represents the synchronized activity of the brainstem and the auditory nerve. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is part of electrodiagnostic procedures that help in evaluating the type and degree of abnormalities of the peripheral nerves. The aim of our study was to assess whether central or peripheral nerves are involved in hypertensive patients. 20 patients of primary hypertension were selected between the ages of 40-60 years of either sex along with 20 ageand sex-matched normotensives. ABRs along with NCV, both sensory and motor components of the median nerve were performed using standard techniques. Auditory threshold increased significantly in the hypertensive group compared with controls (p < 0.05). There was a significant prolongation of absolute peak latencies of waves I, II and V and interpeak latency III-V. However, no significant difference was observed in the NCV between the hypertensives and controls. We conclude that there was a significant correlation of rise in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with absolute peak latencies of ABRs in hypertensive patients. However, no significant difference in nerve conduction velocity was seen.