During ABR (auditory brainstem response) testing, Wave V latency is prolonged bilaterally with normal Wave I. This pattern suggests pathology at the level of:

• A Cochlear hair cells (peripheral)
• B Cochlear nerve (CN VIII) at the cerebellopontine angle
• C Central brainstem auditory pathways (above CN VIII) ✓
• D Auditory cortex bilaterally

Explanation

In ABR, Wave I represents the cochlear nerve (distal), Wave III the cochlear nucleus/superior olive (lower pons), and Wave V the lateral lemniscus/inferior colliculus (midbrain). Normal Wave I indicates intact peripheral cochlear nerve function. A prolonged I–V inter-peak latency (or absent/delayed Wave V with normal Wave I) bilaterally indicates pathology in the central brainstem auditory pathways. Unilateral prolonged Wave I-V suggests retrocochlear pathology on the affected side (e.g., acoustic neuroma).

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.