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Published on: August 30, 2019
Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood: long-term outcome
Benjamin Krams1, Bernard Echenne, Julie Leydet
1Department of Neurology, Gui de Chauliac University Hospital, France. benjamin.krams@wanadoo.fr
Insights
Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) in children may not resolve for all, with some experiencing persistent vertigo. A strong association with migraine suggests a shared underlying pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) presents as recurrent dizziness in healthy children.
- While often resolving in childhood, its long-term outcomes and association with migraine require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term outcomes of childhood Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV).
- To explore the epidemiological link between BPV and migraine in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 17 pediatric BPV patients diagnosed between 1991-2008.
- Review of medical files and standardized phone interviews with families regarding medical history and long-term outcomes.
Main Results:
- Follow-up ranged from 1.1 to 24.5 years post-onset.
- Five of ten patients over 11 years old still experienced vertigo attacks; median recovery age was six.
- Nine patients had migraine, including all six aged 15+; 8/13 had a family history of migraine.
Conclusions:
- Childhood BPV may represent heterogeneous conditions with varying prognoses.
- The significant association with migraine warrants further discussion on BPV pathophysiology.
Introduction:
Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) is characterized by recurrent attacks of dizziness in a healthy child. Complete recovery typically takes place during childhood, and an epidemiological link with migraine has been pointed out. Nevertheless, data concerning long-term patient outcome are scarce.
Subjects And Methods:
We analyzed the clinical data of 17 patients diagnosed with BPV between 1991 and 2008 in our neuropediatric department; we particularly focused on family medical history and long-term patient outcome by reviewing their medical files and by interviewing the families with a standardized questionnaire administered by phone.
Results:
Thirteen families responded to the questionnaire, performed 1.1 to 24.5 years after onset. Among 10 patients older than 11 years of age, five continue to suffer attacks of vertigo. Median age at recovery was six years. Nine subjects exhibited migraine, including all six aged 15 years or older. There was a first-degree history of migraine in eight out of 13 children.
Conclusion:
BPV may not be a homogeneous condition, as some children have a poorer prognosis than others. The strong link with migraine, already noticed by previous authors, led us to discuss the pathophysiology of this condition.
