The spectrum of vertigo in children.
OBJECTIVE
To review the presentation, evaluation, and causes of vertigo in children.


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


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.
Bower
C M
CM
Department of Otolaryngology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, USA.
Cotton
R T
RT
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology