[ENG in infants - a contribution on examination problems (author's transl)].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Vestibular System Research

Context:

• Caloric vestibular testing is crucial for assessing vestibular function in children.
• Sedation is often necessary for accurate testing in young children.
• Valium (diazepam) is a commonly used sedative, but its effect on nystagmus parameters requires quantification.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and impact of Valium sedation on caloric vestibular testing in young children.
• To quantify the changes in nystagmus parameters (number of beats, slow-phase velocity, total amplitude) following Valium administration.
• To determine if Valium is a suitable sedative for pediatric vestibular assessments.

Summary:

• Sixty children aged 3-6 years underwent caloric stimulation (30°C and 44°C) with or without Valium sedation.
• Nystagmus was recorded using electro nystagmography (ENG).
• Valium sedation resulted in significant quantitative reductions: number of beats (19% ± 5%), maximal slow-phase angular velocity (24% ± 11%), and total amplitude (24% ± 11%).

Impact:

• Valium is effective for sedating young children during caloric vestibular testing.
• The study demonstrates a quantifiable reduction in nystagmus parameters due to Valium, which must be accounted for in results interpretation.
• This research supports the use of Valium in pediatric audiology and neurology for vestibular assessments.