Pediatric COVID-19 Vestibular Neuritis.

Abstract

Introduction With the number of COVID cases in children increasing, the variation in presentation seen in pediatric patients compared with adults has become more apparent. The typical adult presentation of COVID-19 infection, generally associated with acute respiratory symptoms, seems to differ from that seen in children, many of whom are initially asymptomatic. Case Presentation In this case, a previously healthy female adolescent presented with insidious onset nausea and weight loss, but a broad gastrointestinal workup was unrevealing. The delayed development of vertiginous symptoms later led to the identification of prior, asymptomatic COVID-19 infection as the suspected etiology of her presenting gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion This case highlights the notion that COVID-19 infection in children may have a delayed manifestation in the absence of acute respiratory systems. Given this, COVID should be included in the differential diagnosis early on in an effort to limit the risks and costs associated with broad, unrevealing workups.