Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Wave V represents neural activity generated at the level of:

• A Inferior colliculus ✓
• B Cochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII)
• C Cochlear nucleus
• D Superior olivary complex

Explanation

ABR waves represent sequential activation of auditory nuclei: Wave I — distal cochlear nerve (CN VIII), Wave II — proximal CN VIII near brainstem entry, Wave III — cochlear nucleus, Wave IV — superior olivary complex, Wave V — lateral lemniscus/inferior colliculus. Wave V is the most robust and clinically important wave, used for threshold estimation and interpeak latency analysis in retrocochlear pathology detection. Prolonged I–V interpeak latency suggests retrocochlear pathology such as 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.