[Otoneurologic testing in multiple sclerosis].

The values of the individual audiological and vestibular examination methods in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis are discussed. Our experience shows that the most accurate indications are provided by acoustic stapedius reflex, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and vestibular investigation. Other testing processes play only a minor part. Using the three methods mentioned, brainstem injuries can be shown to be present at an early stage. Hence one should always include them in MS-diagnosis as a matter of routine. Of the 85 patients we examined, 72 had definite MS and 13 probable (sub-division according to Mc Alpine criteria): all of them underwent acoustic stapedius reflex test and vestibular investigation (nystagmogram, caloric vestibular test according to Hallpike-Frenzel. The stapedius reflex measurements showed pathological findings of 64/54% and the vestibular test findings of 53/61%.