The coma is the persistent reduction consciousness level, not responsive to stimuli, due to low brain activity. To check the consciousness level, a feature often used is the Glasgow Coma Scale. Another method that was been showing up is the Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry, that evaluates the activity of the ascending auditory pathways from the midbrain to the peripheral route. The test is simple, immune to depressant drugs and electrically charged environments, being the most suitable potential for monitoring the coma. The aim of his study was to examine the characterization of Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry in mild coma (Glasgow 7-8) and its contribution. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in two patients in coma (Glasgow 7), state secondary to head trauma. The test results showed the presence of electrical activity on the entire route in both cases studied, with differences changes relative to the decrease in interpeak latency, morphology, and replication of the waves. These differences were contemplated whit the evolution the each case: case 1 was favorable, but the second died. These results confirm the findings in the literature that describes the Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry normal are associated with good outcome, while abnormal results are poor prognosis flags.
Coma; Prognosis; Evoked Potentials Auditory
