Abstract: To study the value of brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) in evaluating the function of brainstem in patients with severe traumatic brain injury in persistent vegetative state(PVS). Methods: Twentyfive patients with severe traumatic brain injury in PVS were examined by BAEP and the data were compared with normal. Results: The abnormal rate of BAEP was 80%(20/25). The alterations included delay of peak latency of I, Ⅲ, and V waves, prolongation of interpeak latency between wave I and V， increase of interaural latency difference of wave V and greater interpeak latency between ⅢV and IⅢ. Conclusion: BAEP can be used to evaluate the function of brainstem in patients with severe traumatic brain injury in PVS and provide evidences for prognosis.

Key words: Traumatic brain injury, Brainstem auditory evoked potential, Persistent vegetative state