Chapter 25 - Vertigo and dizziness in children

Abstract

Vertigo and dizziness of at least moderate severity occur in >5% of school-aged children and cause considerable restrictions in participation in school and leisure activity. More than 50% of dizzy children also have headache. Vestibular migraine and benign paroxysmal vertigo as a migraine precursor are the most common diagnoses in dizziness clinics for children and adolescents. They account for 30-60% of diagnoses. Other common causes are somatoform, orthostatic, or posttraumatic dizziness. All other disorders that are known to cause vertigo and dizziness in adults also occur in children, but incidence rates are usually lower. The vestibular and balance systems are largely developed after 1 year of age. Therefore, clinical and laboratory testing is reliable. Brain magnetic resonance imaging to exclude severe conditions, such as a brainstem tumor, is necessary only if clinical - in particular, ocular motor - testing is abnormal. Most conditions causing vertigo and dizziness in childhood and adolescence are treatable. Nonpharmacologic prophylaxis should always be recommended in vestibular migraine. Behavioral support is useful in somatization. Evidence for the effectiveness of drug therapy is largely based on experience in adult populations. High-quality controlled studies in childhood cohorts are sparse. It is important to make a correct diagnosis early on, as counseling and appropriate treatment may avoid chronic illness.