Evaluation and treatment of vestibular dysfunction in children

Abstract

The effect of vestibular dysfunction since birth is more debilitating than that attained later in life, and unlike adults, children with vestibular dysfunction since or shortly after birth do not recover function without intervention. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the etiology of vestibular dysfunction in children as well as the related impairments, and to describe testing methods and evidence based interventions to ameliorate the vestibular related impairments in children. In recent years, investigations have revealed that vestibular dysfunction is more common in children than previously thought, with consequent impairments in motor development, balance and reading abilities. The dysfunction may be due to central or peripheral lesions, each with distinct presentation of symptoms and test results. Common etiologies and clinical presentation of vestibular dysfunction in children are reviewed; appropriate screening and diagnostic techniques and efficacious medical and rehabilitation interventions are presented. Despite advances in clinical and diagnostic testing of vestibular function in children and infants, testing of vestibular function is not typically done. Comprehensive testing of signs and symptoms is critical for diagnosis and implementation of appropriate interventions.