Ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials n10 response in autism spectrum disorders children with auditory hypersensitivity: an indicator of semicircular canal dehiscence

Hyperacusis in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Hyperacusis is highly prevalent in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population. This auditory hypersensitivity can trigger pragmatically atypical reactions that may impact social and academic domains. Objective: The aim of this report is to describe the relationship between decreased sound tolerance disorders and the ASD population. Topics covered: The main topics discussed include (1) assessment and prevalence of hyperacusis in ASD; (2) etiology of hyperacusis in ASD; (3) treatment of hyperacusis in ASD. Conclusions: Knowledge of the assessment and treatment of decreased sound tolerance disorders within the ASD population is growing and changing.

Central Auditory and Vestibular Dysfunction Are Key Features of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors, poor social skills, and difficulties with communication. Beyond these core signs and symptoms, the majority of subjects with ASD have some degree of auditory and vestibular dysfunction. Dysfunction in these sensory modalities is significant as normal cognitive development depends on an accurate representation of our environment. The hearing difficulties in ASD range from deafness to hypersensitivity and subjects with ASD have abnormal sound-evoked brainstem reflexes and brainstem auditory evoked potentials. Vestibular dysfunction in ASD includes postural instability, gait dysfunction, and impaired gaze. Untreated vestibular dysfunction in children can lead to delayed milestones such as sitting and walking and poor motor coordination later in life. Histopathological studies have revealed that subjects with ASD have significantly fewer neurons in the auditory hindbrain and surviving neurons are smaller and dysmorphic. These findings are consistent with auditory dysfunction. Further, the cerebellum was one of the first brain structures implicated in ASD and studies have revealed loss of Purkinje cells and the presence of ectopic neurons. Together, these studies suggest that normal auditory and vestibular function play major roles in the development of language and social abilities, and dysfunction in these systems may contribute to the core symptoms of ASD. Further, auditory and vestibular dysfunction in children may be overlooked or attributed to other neurodevelopmental disorders. Herein we review the literature on auditory and vestibular dysfunction in ASD. Based on these results we developed a brainstem model of central auditory and vestibular dysfunction in ASD and propose that simple, non-invasive but quantitative testing of hearing and vestibular function be added to newborn screening protocols.

Auditory hyper-responsiveness in autism spectrum disorder, terminologies and physiological mechanisms involved: systematic review

PURPOSE

this paper aims to identify the most used terminologies to designate the disproportional behavior to sounds in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its relationship with the respective tools for its investigation, as well as its occurrence and outcomes.

RESEARCH STRATEGIES

the databases used were PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scielo and Lilacs. The keywords used were "autism", "hyperacusis" and "auditory perception", with the following combinations: "autism AND hyperacusis" and "autism AND auditory perception".

SELECTION CRITERIA

individuals diagnosed with ASD of any age group; available abstract; papers in English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese; case series, prevalence and incidence studies, cohort and clinical trials.

DATA ANALYSIS

we analyzed studies with individuals diagnosed with ASD of any age group; reference in the title and/or summary of the occurrence of disproportional behavior to sounds, accepting the terms hyper-responsiveness, hypersensitivity and hyperacusis; summary available; papers in English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese; series of cases, prevalence and incidence studies, cohort and clinical trials.

RESULTS

Of the 692 studies resulting from the consultation, 13 studies could achieve the established requirements.

CONCLUSION

The term auditory hypersensitivity was the most commonly used to designate disproportional behavior to sounds, followed by hyperacusis. There was no relationship between the terms and the respective research tool, and the questionnaires were the most used to designate the referred behavior, whose reported frequency was from 42.1% to 69.0%. The auditory behavior tests when performed showed the involvement of the auditory, afferent and efferent neural pathways.

Pediatric superior semicircular canal dehiscence: illustrative case and systematic review

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to present an illustrative case of pediatric superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) and to systematically review the current published literature in the pediatric population. METHODS An electronic search of the Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Embase databases was performed by 2 independent authors through January 2017. Search term combinations included "pediatrics," "children," "canal," and "dehiscence." Inclusion criteria were as follows: English, full-text clinical studies, case reports, and case series describing pediatric patient(s) (younger than 18 years) with CT evidence of SSCD. Baseline patient demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, dehiscence characteristics, management strategies, and outcome data were extracted. RESULTS A total of 14 studies involving 122 patients were included in the quantitative synthesis. The patients' mean age was 7.22 years. Male predominance was observed (approximate male-to-female ratio of 1.65:1). Neurodevelopmental disorders were common (n = 14, 11.5%). Auditory signs and symptoms were more common than vestibular signs and symptoms. Hearing loss (n = 62, 50.8%) was the most common auditory symptom and an indicator for imaging evaluation. Vertigo was the most common vestibular symptom (n = 8, 6.6%). Hearing aids were recommended in 8 cases (6.6%), and surgical repair was performed in 1 case (0.8%). Symptom outcomes and follow-up durations were infrequently reported. CONCLUSIONS The authors' data suggest that in pediatric SSCD, males are more commonly affected than females. This is different than the adult population in which females are predominantly affected. A history of otologic and/or neurodevelopmental abnormalities was common. There was a preponderance of auditory symptoms in this age group. Conservative management was favored in the majority.

Persistent Angiogenesis in the Autism Brain: An Immunocytochemical Study of Postmortem Cortex, Brainstem and Cerebellum

In the current work, we conducted an immunocytochemical search for markers of ongoing neurogenesis (e.g. nestin) in auditory cortex from postmortem sections of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and age-matched control donors. We found nestin labeling in cells of the vascular system, indicating blood vessels plasticity. Evidence of angiogenesis was seen throughout superior temporal cortex (primary auditory cortex), fusiform cortex (face recognition center), pons/midbrain and cerebellum in postmortem brains from ASD patients but not control brains. We found significant increases in both nestin and CD34, which are markers of angiogenesis localized to pericyte cells and endothelial cells, respectively. This labeling profile is indicative of splitting (intussusceptive), rather than sprouting, angiogenesis indicating the blood vessels are in constant flux rather than continually expanding.