Vestibular disorders in childhood and adolescents

The aim and objective of the study is to analyze the data of 145 vertiginous patients aged up to 18 years, which were examined at the Otoneurological Department of the Semmelweis University during the last 5 years. The study design for the analysis: the group of children (66 patients, aged up to 14 years) and group of adolescents (79 patients, ages between 14 and 18 years). Children and adolescents, who sent by otolaryngologists or pediatric neurologists, were examined. The detailed case history and routine physical examinations were followed by cochlear function tests. The vestibular test contained statokinetic test, spontaneous nystagmus with electronystagmographical (ENG) registration, positional and positioning nystagmus with Frenzel's glasses, smooth pursuit eye movement test and caloric test with computer-based ENG. Most of the patients experienced true rotatory vertigo. The ratio of the dizziness (vertigo without direction) was 38% in the children's and 44% in the adolescent group; 21 children and 31 adolescents had headache. Nausea and vomiting were frequent in both the groups: normal hearing was measured in 62% of children and in 82% of adolescents. The vestibular system was normal in 36% of the children's group, and in 39% of the adolescents. In conclusion, it is important to realize that 64% of the children and 61% of the adolescents do have certain vestibular abnormalities. The most frequent cause of dizziness (24%) in the adolescent group is the extravestibular disorder-like panic disease and the anxiety disorder. At younger age, the most frequent disease that can cause vestibular symptoms is the migraine.