Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Using Unidirectional Rotations to Improve Vestibular System Asymmetry in Patients with Vestibular Dysfunction
Published on: August 30, 2019
[Vertigo in children]
1Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile. ricardoerazo@yahoo.com
Insights
Pediatric vertigo, often overlooked, presents with a sensation of movement and has diverse causes. Early diagnosis relies on thorough history, otologic, and neurologic exams for effective management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Context:
- Vertigo in children is infrequently recognized but has a significant impact.
- Medical literature on pediatric vertigo saw limited references before the 1980s.
Purpose:
- To review the various types of vertigo in children.
- To highlight clinical features aiding in diagnosis.
- To emphasize the importance of clinical history and examinations.
Summary:
- Vertigo is a symptom of perceived motion with multiple potential pediatric causes.
- Common causes include otitis media and migraine variants, such as benign paroxysmal vertigo.
- Diagnosis requires clinical suspicion, detailed history, examination, and specific tests.
Impact:
- Facilitates accurate diagnosis of pediatric vertigo.
- Guides appropriate symptomatic treatment and management of underlying conditions.
- Improves recognition and understanding of vertigo in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Vertigo is uncommon in children, but it is usually underecognized and it has not been well referenced in the medical literature until the 1980s. It is defined as a subjective sensation of movement of the body or the surrounding, and it is a symptom that may have multiple causes. This paper reviews the different types of vertigo in children, emphasizing their clinical features that may be useful in establishing the diagnosis. Of particular relevance is an accurate clinical history and a complete otologic and neurologic examination. More common causes of pediatric vertigo are otitis media and migraine variants, particularly benign paroxysmal vertigo. An appropriate approach to the child with vertigo begins with the clinical suspicion, based on a detailed clinical history and examination, and specific tests. Diagnosis should be followed by adequate symptomatic treatment and management of the underlying specific causes.
More Related Videos
06:30Assessment of Static Graviceptive Perception in the Roll-Plane using the Subjective Visual Vertical Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2020
07:24Using Eye-tracking to Assess the Relative Importance of Visual and Vestibular Input to Subcortical Motion Processing in the Roll Plane
Published on: August 22, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Equilibrium and Balance
The Vestibular System
Pathophysiology of Vomiting
Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares often...
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...