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Published on: August 30, 2019
Vestibular function in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder
Robert Nash1, John Veness2, Michelle Wyatt1
1Department of ENT, Great Ormond Street Hospital, WC1N 3JH London, UK.
Insights
Vestibulopathy, a balance disorder, affects 42% of children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). This highlights the need for vestibular testing in managing these pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) affects approximately 10% of pediatric cochlear implant referrals.
- Vestibulopathy, a disorder of the balance system, may coexist with ANSD.
- The presence of vestibulopathy can impact management strategies for children with ANSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of vestibulopathy in pediatric patients with ANSD.
- To identify predictive factors for vestibulopathy in this cohort.
- To guide vestibular testing protocols and inform the etiology of ANSD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of vestibular function testing outcomes.
- Analysis of a cohort of pediatric patients diagnosed with ANSD.
Main Results:
- Probable or definite vestibulopathy was identified in 42% of tested patients.
- Vestibulopathy showed an association with medical comorbidities.
- No significant association was found between vestibulopathy and imaging findings.
Conclusions:
- Vestibulopathy is a common finding in children with ANSD.
- Consideration of vestibulopathy is crucial for effective investigation and management planning.
- Further research may elucidate the relationship between ANSD and vestibulopathy.
Objective:
Children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) account for about 10% of paediatric patients referred for cochlear implantation. Vestibulopathy may be associated with ANSD, and may have implications when formulating management plans in this patient group. We wanted to determine the incidence and predictive factors for vestibulopathy in this patient group to guide vestibular testing in this patient population, and give insight to the aetiology of ANSD.
Methods:
We reviewed the outcomes of vestibular function testing in a cohort of paediatric patients with ANSD.
Results:
Probable or definite vestibulopathy was seen in 42% of patients who were tested. Vestibulopathy was associated with medical co-morbidities, but was not associated with imaging findings.
Conclusions:
Vestibulopathy is relatively prevalent in this patient group, and should be considered when planning the investigation and management of children with ANSD.
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