The spectrum of vertigo in children

Abstract

Objective: To review the presentation, evaluation, and causes of vertigo in children.

Design: A retrospective review of children who presented with the chief complaint of vertigo.

Patients: Thirty-four children with a chief complaint of vertigo were seen in an ear, nose, and throat clinic during a 2 1/2-year period.

Outcome measures: Presenting symptoms, diagnostic tests, diagnoses established, and clinical course were evaluated.

Results: Otitis media, benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood, and migraine accounted for the vertigo in 50% of the children. Audiometry, tympanometry, and electronystagmography were the most helpful diagnostic tests, with abnormal results in seven, seven, and six patients, respectively. Of the 19 patients with adequate follow-up, 15 (79%) were improved or asymptomatic at the time of their last visit.

Conclusions: Peripheral causes of vertigo, eg, otitis media, were noted most commonly. Evaluation of vertigo should include a complete history and physical examination, an audiogram, and a tympanogram. In select cases, electronystagmography, electroencephalography, and scanning of the brain or temporal bone should be performed. A favorable outcome was noted in most cases.