Motor Competence in School-Aged Children at Risk of Vestibular Loss: An Overview

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Vestibular disorders in children can arise from various factors including genetic mutations, infections, head trauma, and sensorineural hearing loss.
• Early identification and management of pediatric vestibular dysfunction are critical for optimal development.
• A comprehensive assessment protocol is needed to address the multifaceted nature of these disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the outcomes of an extensive auditory, vestibular, and motor assessment protocol in school-aged children at risk of vestibular disorders.
• To characterize the clinical features and motor competence of children with potential vestibular dysfunctions.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach in managing pediatric vestibular concerns.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 117 school-aged children (4.0 to 16.9 years) at risk of vestibular deficits were assessed between 2017 and 2021.
• Risk factors included vestibular complaints, hearing loss, ototoxic drug history, inner ear malformations, head trauma, genetic mutations, and specific infections.
• Assessments encompassed auditory, vestibular, and motor function evaluations, including the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2).

Main Results:

• Four groups were identified: combined vestibular and hearing loss (n=47), isolated vestibular loss (n=5), isolated hearing loss (n=33), and no audiovestibular deficits (n=32).
• Children with combined vestibular and auditory dysfunctions exhibited significantly diminished fine motor skills, balance, and MABC-2 scores (p < 0.001).
• Severe bilateral vestibular deficits were associated with the most pronounced motor impairments, leading to 80.9% of affected children being referred for further monitoring or physical therapy.

Conclusions:

• This study highlights the diverse clinical presentations in school-aged children at risk for vestibular disorders.
• A comprehensive assessment integrating auditory, vestibular, and motor evaluations is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.
• Particular attention should be given to children with combined vestibular and auditory deficits due to their significant impact on motor development.