Clinical Characteristics of Dizziness in Children

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The children who are complaining of dizziness are difficult to manage. Because the incidence is quite low and the diagnostic spectrum is different from the adult. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics and vestibular function test in dizzy children, leading to provide a proper diagnostic approach. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of 57 children with dizziness who underwent vestibular function test were included in this study. Theses patients were retrospectively reviewed based on clinical charts. The average age of the patients was 11.1 years (range 4-15). Caloric and rotation chair tests were performed in 57 and 31 patients respectively. Imaging study such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was performed in selective cases. RESULTS: Recurrent vertigo (49.1%) is the most common symptoms in dizzy children. Most common diagnostic entity in dizzy children is benign positional vertigo (BPV) (31.6%). Compared to adults, BPPV is relatively uncommon. Uncertain diagnosis is also common in dizzy children. Caloric test suggested that 19.3% of dizzy patients showed unilateral weakness. However, among normal caloric responders who underwent rotation chair test simultaneously, 11 out of 23 (47.8%) showed abnormal VOR gain and oculomotor abnormality. CONCLUSION: Most common diagnosis of dizzy children is BPV, although many patients were remained uncertain. Abnormality of oculomotor test and VOR is relatively common, that suggests abnormal visual vestibular interaction is related with dizzy symptoms in children. The evaluation of vertigo in children should include a complete history and vestibular function test related with visual vestibular interaction.