Brain stem auditory-evoked potentials in meningomyelocele. Natural history of Chiari II malformations.

Brain stem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded in 30 patients with meningomyelocele and shunted hydrocephalus ranging in age from birth to 33 years. Twenty-two of them had Chiari II malformation, one of which was symptomatic. In 22 cases, including 15 with Chiari II malformation, BAEPs were recorded repeatedly after periods ranging from 18 months to 7 years. The results were as follows: (1) III-V interpeak latency (IPL) decreased progressively from prolonged to the normal range with growth until 25 years of age; (2) I-III IPL tended to prolong gradually from the normal range; (3) these findings may indicate that the natural history of Chiari II malformation is delayed maturation of the brain stem and intensification in the elongation and stretching of the hindbrain and lower cranial nerves.