[Vestibular diagnostics in childhood - methods and assessment].
BACKGROUND
Children with vertigo are thought to be difficult to examine. Vestibular test batteries are used less frequently for children than in adult patients.


METHODS
Within the context of a retrospective study 136 patients in age between 0 and 15 years, who were examined by Frenzel's glasses, ENG and VOG between 1996 and 1999 were evaluated. Caloric test and frequency selective rotation chair tests were performed.


RESULTS
Workability of VOG examination (91 %) was higher than Frenzel glasses (86 %) and ENG (78 %). Videooculography is the method of choice in childhood. Comparing diagnosis after vestibular testing and discharge diagnosis a sensitivity of 68 %, a specificity of 88 %, an accuracy of aim of 79 % and a positive predictive value of 92,9 % was calculated.


CONCLUSIONS
Thus restriction of vestibular functional diagnostics in childhood is not justified.
Düwel
P
P
Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen, Germany. Pduewel@post.klinikum.rwth-aachen.de
Westhofen
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004584:Electronystagmography; D004585:Electrooculography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014741:Video Recording