Clinical evaluation of the vestibular impairment using video head impulse test In children with acute otitis media

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Neurotology
• Vestibular System Function

Background:

• Acute otitis media (AOM) can lead to dizziness and potential vestibular dysfunction in children.
• Evaluating vestibular impairment in pediatric AOM patients is crucial for understanding long-term effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess vestibular impairment in children experiencing AOM and dizziness using the video head impulse test (vHIT).
• To compare vHIT results between children with AOM and dizziness and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 34 pediatric patients with AOM and dizziness and 35 healthy children (ages 4-15) were enrolled.
• Video head impulse test (vHIT) was performed to measure vHIT gains and identify saccades.
• Comparisons of vHIT gains and saccade presence were made between patient and control groups, and across different AOM stages.

Main Results:

• Patients with AOM and dizziness showed significantly reduced vHIT gains in the anterior canal plane on the affected side.
• Covert saccades, indicative of vestibular dysfunction, were detected in 32% of the pediatric patients.
• No significant differences in saccade presence were found across different stages of AOM.

Conclusions:

• Video head impulse test (vHIT) demonstrates utility in evaluating vestibular impairment in children with AOM and dizziness.
• Vestibular impairment in these children may manifest as decreased vHIT gains and covert saccades, primarily in vertical canal planes.
• vHIT showed high applicability in healthy children (92%) and moderate applicability in AOM patients (70%).