[Auditory evoked potentials in determining brain death].

Abstract

Until now, in hypothermic patients, patients under barbiturate therapy etc. brain death can only unequivocally be determined by cerebral panangiography. We evaluated in 41 patients, whether panangiography can be substituted by recording of brain stem auditory evoked potentials in combination with cerebral perfusion scintigraphy. Our results demonstrate, that even if no potential except wave I can be recorded, a minimal intracranial perfusion may exist, so that by definition the patient is not dead. During the course of our investigations we found one patient, in whom disappeared auditory evoked potentials recovered. So we conclude, that the recording of auditory evoked potentials is only an adjunct in determination of brain death, not an objective method as is cerebral panangiography. But recording of auditory evoked potentials is helpful in excluding brain death in certain patients.