Dizziness in Children

Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood: A review of the literature

“…A child may not complain of dizziness (1) but rather the autonomic signs, and may express fear. Parents may notice unusual awkwardness, clumsiness or poor balance (27).…”

Balance Retraining: A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment of Patients With Dizziness and Imbalance

“…Patient complaints of vertigo (spinning sensation) are most likely due to inner ear disorders; light-headedness may arise from cardiovascular, endocrine, hormonal, neurological, or psychological origins (Paparella, Alleva, and Bequer, 1990). Busis (1988) reports that children experience dizziness and poor balance most frequently with middle ear effusion. He also cites less frequent causes of dizziness in children: benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood, perilymph fistula, paroxysmal torticollis of infancy, Meniere's disease, trauma, migraine, and CNS disorders.…”

Assessment: Vestibular testing techniques in adults and children [RETIRED]

“…To reduce fearfulness Use warm water caloric irrigations instead of cold, use air calorics if available, as the sensation is often less alarming to children 109 Show an enlarged picture of a child wearing electrodes 107 Allow parents to be present and to aid in testing Permit small children to sit in their parent's lap; most children older than 3 years can sit in the chair alone 95 Consider rotational testing if child becomes afraid of caloric testing; it is often better tolerated 108 To improve calibrations, ocular motor recordings Use a flashlight or blinking light or toy for pursuit tracking in those under 4 years of age 108,110 Have the child look at the "stars" in gaze testing 114 Make testing a game when possible Consider using a blindfold as a "Halloween mask" to help remove the effects of visual fixation in children who are unable to keep their eyes closed 114 Converse with the child to keep him/her alert Use full-field optokinetic stimulation if available 108 To enable completion Test the most important item first and work as quickly and efficiently as possible; for example, if doing rotations, consider limiting testing to 0.01, 0.04, and 0.16 Hz…”