Acoustically evoked brain stem potentials in chronic alcoholism and withdrawal

BAEP studies hint at different neurophysiological findings between gamma and delta alcoholics. On the first day of withdrawal gamma alcoholics show slight vegetative withdrawal symptoms in the form of CNS hyperexitability trough the shortening of the early IPL. However delta alcoholics show prolongations of the late IPL which can be interpreted as a consequence of brain stem transmission disorders resulting from chronic intoxication. After four weeks the BAEP deviations found in both groups indicate a clear tendency of recovery which points to functional disorders.