[Vertigo in children. Clinical presentation, course and treatment]

The diagnosis of vertigo syndromes in childhood is considered a difficult challenge. A correct diagnosis, however, makes successful therapy possible, prevents unnecessary investigations and alleviates the worries of parents. Migraine-associated forms of vertigo are very common in children (benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood, vestibular migraine) and account for about 50% of diagnoses. Acute unilateral vestibular failure in the course of infectious and para-infectious labyrinthitis is also more common in children than in adults. Motion sickness is a frequent and relevant problem in children aged 4-10 years old. A number of rare congenital syndromes can occur with bilateral vestibular failure. Because of the relatively high frequency of brainstem and cerebellar tumors in children, MRI should be considered in all patients presenting with subacute central vestibular signs. In principle, all forms of vertigo known in adult patients can also occur in children; however, they must gradually be included in the diagnostic spectrum of the primary care physician (e.g., vestibular paroxysm).