Detecting Vestibular Deficits in Early Childhood: Toward a Screening Tool for Caregivers

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Audiology

Background:

• Vestibular deficits in children can impact motor development and overall well-being.
• Early identification of vestibular dysfunction is crucial for timely intervention.
• Caregiver observations provide valuable insights into a child's developmental status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify caregiver-reported motor difficulties that discriminate children with vestibular dysfunction (VD).
• To explore age-specific red flags for early detection of vestibular deficits in infants.
• To inform the development of a screening tool for at-risk children.

Main Methods:

• Parents of 6, 12, and 24-month-old children completed a Vestibular Infant Screening Questionnaire and the Bayley-III motor subscale.
• Children were categorized into confirmed VD, vestibular risk with normal status, and typically developing groups.
• Caregiver responses were analyzed across age groups and diagnostic categories.

Main Results:

• Parents of children with VD reported more motor difficulties compared to control groups.
• At 6 months, poor head control, limited prone stability, and delayed sitting were significant indicators.
• At 12 months, increased need for carrying, and at 24 months, difficulties with walking and uneven surfaces were noted.
• The Bayley-III motor subscale did not differentiate between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Caregiver reports of specific motor challenges are valuable for identifying children with vestibular deficits.
• Age-specific motor red flags identified by parents can guide early detection efforts.
• These findings support the development of caregiver-based screening tools for pediatric vestibular dysfunction.