Vertigo in children

Int Tinnitus J. 2006;12(2):185-9.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to search for the reason for vertigo in children who complain of it. We tested 30 children who had been treated by a pediatrician for various diseases. We performed the detailed protocol of anamnesis, videonystagmography, posturography, and additional tests ordered by the pediatrician and then compared the results of these procedures with those of a group of 30 healthy children. Respiratory system infections, gastritis, and spondylosis were diagnosed most often by pediatricians in young people with vertigo. From videonystagmography results, we observed only four types of pathological reactions: positional nystagmus, cervical nystagmus, abnormal eye-tracking test results, and square wave abnormalities. Only 40% of children demonstrated objective signs of vertigo. Posturography results did not provide specific findings as compared with those from the healthy children. We discussed the probable reasons for vertigo, among which psychogenic origin, side effect of medications, hormonal disturbances, spondylosis, and diet errors had to be taken into consideration.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Electronystagmography
  • Gastritis / complications
  • Humans
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / complications
  • Nystagmus, Pathologic / diagnosis
  • Nystagmus, Physiologic
  • Posture
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / complications
  • Spinal Osteophytosis / complications
  • Vertigo / complications
  • Vertigo / etiology*
  • Vertigo / physiopathology
  • Vestibular Function Tests
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / physiopathology
  • Video Recording