Vertigo as a presenting symptom of multiple sclerosis in childhood

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
• While MS is more commonly diagnosed in adults, pediatric-onset MS (POMS) is increasingly recognized.
• Vertigo, a sensation of dizziness or spinning, can be a symptom of various neurological and vestibular disorders.

Observation:

• This study reports a case of childhood multiple sclerosis presenting with vertigo.
• A review of 14 pediatric cases at The Children's Hospital of Denver found vertigo as a presenting symptom in four (28.6%) of them.
• This incidence rate in children is comparable to that observed in adult-onset multiple sclerosis.

Findings:

• Vertigo is a significant presenting symptom in a notable proportion of childhood multiple sclerosis cases.
• The observed frequency of vertigo as an initial symptom in pediatric MS approximates adult incidence rates.
• Objective vestibular testing may reveal a higher incidence of vestibular involvement in pediatric MS than previously reported.

Implications:

• Pediatricians and neurologists should consider childhood multiple sclerosis in the differential diagnosis of unexplained vertigo in children.
• Early recognition and diagnosis of pediatric MS are crucial for timely intervention and management.
• Further research utilizing objective vestibular assessments is warranted to fully elucidate the role of vestibular dysfunction in pediatric MS.