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Abstract

Grant Number:	1R43DC005878-01
PI Name:	JEWETT, DON L.
PI Email:	jewett@abratech.com
PI Title:	RESEARCH DIRECTOR
Project Title:	ABR train-block detection of small acoustic neuromas

Abstract: DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The evoked response called the ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) is affected by nerve compression by acoustic neuromas, but is not presently sensitive enough to detect small tumors. If the ABR could be used to detect tumors, it would reduce overall medical costs and also provide a means to judge rate of tumor progression. This project proposes to improve the sensitivity of the ABR to nerve compression by acoustic neuromas by two means: 1) using a new chirp-stimulus recently published, which provides stimulation of all VIIIth nerve fibers, including those subserving low-frequencies. 2) stimulating at very high stimulus repetition-rates. A new method has been developed by Abratech Corporation which permits recording the ABR at the high stimulus repetition-rates likely to be needed for detection of small tumors. The research proposed will test the sensitivity of the new method combined with the new chirp-stimulus, in patients who have small acoustic neuromas. This proposal is health-related because it is directed towards a known health-problem: the diagnosis and monitoring of acoustic neuromas.

Thesaurus Terms:
acoustic nerve, diagnosis design /evaluation, electrophysiology, evoked potential, neoplasm /cancer diagnosis, nervous system neoplasm, neural conduction, neural inhibition
brain stem, ear /hearing prosthesis, ear disorder diagnosis, nerve sheath neoplasm
clinical research, human subject, magnetic resonance imaging

Institution:	ABRATECH CORPORATION
	475 GATE 5 RD, STE 255
	SAUSALITO, CA 94965
Fiscal Year:	2003
Department:
Project Start:	06-FEB-2003
Project End:	05-AUG-2004
ICD:	NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
IRG:	ZRG1

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