In what area of the nervous system would you find wave IV of BAER?

Wave IV of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) is specifically generated in the brainstem region. This wave is associated with the activity of the inferior colliculus, which is located in the midbrain. The inferior colliculus plays a crucial role in the auditory pathway, receiving inputs from various sources and acting as a relay point for auditory information before it is sent to the thalamus and cortex for higher processing.

The brainstem itself includes several structures, such as the pons and medulla, but wave IV is primarily identified with the midbrain due to its distinct neural activity within the auditory processing pathway. Recognizing the exact location and function of each wave in the BAER is essential, as it can help clinicians localize potential neurological obstacles and make informed decisions during intraoperative monitoring.