Slow tremor and delayed brainstem auditory evoked responses in alcoholics
H. J. Rosenhamer and B. P. Silfverskiold
Interpeak intervals of the auditory brainstem evoked electric response
(ABR) were measured in 13 patients showing a characteristic slow rhythmic
tremor and a more or less marked chronic cerebellar ataxia. Eleven of these
patients were advanced alcoholics; two were less severe alcoholics. The
tremor appeared primarily in the legs, and displayed distinctive features
when examined in appropriate postures. Ten of the patients displayed a
significant increase of the I-V interval of the ABR. The occurrence of the
slow tremor with abnormal electric brainstem responses may provide
objective evidence of lesions affecting extracerebellar regions of the CNS.
