Vertigo in childhood

Etiology of vertigo in children

“…Vestibular neuronitis has been occasionally used interchangeably with the term viral labyrinthitis. However, although clinical presentation may be similar in both disorders, vestibular neuronitis is not a well-defined clinical entity, but rather a syndrome in which peripheral vestibular paresis can have a number of possible causes, either viral or vascular [6]. Thus, it is a broader term and should be used in cases where the site of lesion and the aetiology are not apparent.…”

“…Adenoviral, enteroviral and retroviral infections have also been implicated [6,16,17]. Deafness may accompany vertigo, especially in mumps.…”

“…Additionally, there is a family history of migraine in at least 50%, and the attacks may be relieved by anti-migraine drugs. Accordingly, BPV in childhood is considered as a migraine equivalent by most authors [6]. The origin and site of vertigo in BPV of childhood is not completely understood and it has been reported to be located either in the posterior temporal cortex [21] or in the brainstem [22].…”

“…It is characterized by brief, sudden attacks of intense vertigo associated with nystagmus [5,6]. The frightened child either drops to the ground or clutches to available support to avoid falling.…”

“…A problem further complicating the study of vertigo in children is the presence of different results from various reports, depending on whether they originate from pediatric, otolaryngology or neurological departments [6]. Finally, it should be noted that various ophthalmologic abnormalities can appear and become symptomatic in children because of the continuing development of the visual system during the first decade of life [7].…”