Vestibular Disorders In Children

Many people who have been diagnosed with a vestibular disorder recall experiencing some sort of vertigo as a child. This renders people to wonder whether they had the disorder their whole life and didn’t know about it until adulthood, or if vertigo disorders are possible in children. While it is absolutely possible, diagnosis tends to be difficult.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing a vestibular disorder in a child tends to be a difficult process for multiple reasons. Parents may mistake symptoms for bad behavior or poor coordination. Children are also able to tolerate symptoms better than adults. The lack of testing therefore makes it difficult to give proper diagnosis. 

Also, just like with adult patients, there are many causes of vertigo and other dizzy symptoms that might not be related to a vestibular disorder such as ear infection, gastrointestinal issues, or injury to the neck, brain, or ear. Doctors also find it challenging to perform vestibular tests on children with accurate results.  

Testing for vestibular disorders in children is similar to adults, in which they report on their history and perform various tests. cVEMP or oVEMP tests are performed to see if their vestibular system is properly functioning in regards to their neck, eyes, and ears. Depending on their age, other vestibular tests like the caloric reflex, head impulse test, rotational chair, or gait disorientation test might be performed. 

Vestibular Disorders:

Vestibular Migraine is one of the most common vestibular disorders presented in children. Miragine has a genetic component to it, so if parents have a history of migraine or vestibular migraine, it’s possible that their child will have it too. Vestibular migraine is a central nervous system disorder, but peripheral damage might be present. Children may also present other migraine symptoms such as head pain (traditional migraine) or stomach issues (abdominal migraine). People that experience car sickness as children often are diagnosed with VM as an adult. 

Recurrent Vertigo of Childhood is the most common diagnosis. This is more of an unknown diagnosis and oftentimes resolves itself within 3.5 years. It generally impacts girls more than boys, and some show subtle inner ear pathway delays on VEMP tests. While this is generally considered more of a vague, blanket diagnosis, children that experience RVC are more likely to develop a vestibular disorder in adulthood.

Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo of Childhood is a very uncommon diagnosis for vertigo in children. While BPPV is extremely common in adults, it is much more rare for a child to experience the same dislodging of crystals in the inner ear. It usually only affects children at a very young age of less than two years, and usually resolves on its own. They often will not experience nystagmus or positional vertigo unlike BPPV in adults. 

Vestibular Neuritis is a less common diagnosis in children than in adults, but it can still happen from a viral infection that affects the inner ear. Nystaumus can also be present and as well as a flare in the vestibular nerve, though this is also inconsistent. Tumors on the ear or brain may also cause vertigo in young children, though again, these are very rare. An MRI is needed to determine if tumors are present. 

Other vestibular disorders may be prevalent in children like Meniere’s Disease when the child experiences hearing loss. This is also very rare and uncommon. Improperly placed Cochlear Implants may also cause vestibular issues in children. Ear infections can cause vertigo and dizziness as well. Head injury needs to be ruled out when children experience dizziness as well, for this may cause issues. 

Treatment:

Depending on the disorder, treatment varies. Children tend to respond to Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy better than adults, especially in the case of VM. Many children also find that over time their symptoms subside or go away completely without the need for medical intervention. 

Lifestyle changes may also help ease symptoms like diet changes, sleep, and hydration. Medication might also be prescribed in severe cases. 

Vestibular disorders can start from a young age and might indicate a vestibular disorder in adulthood. If you or anyone you know struggles in dizziness (even in childhood), Vestibular Group Fit is here to help with the tools and resources to get better.

Ready to take the next step toward healing:

If you’re looking for a supportive, expert-led space to help you regain confidence, reduce symptoms, and rebuild your life after a vestibular disorder, join us in Vestibular Group Fit.

This unique coaching program combines education, nervous system retraining, and community- all designed specifically for people living with vestibular disorders. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been struggling for years, you’re not alone and you can feel better.