Vertigo in pediatric age group: Our experiences

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vertigo is a morbid symptom among children. However, children rarely experience vertigo, a clinical condition that has received less research than the adult group. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate vertigo among pediatric age group on the basis of the clinical and neurotological profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 78 children manifesting with giddiness or vertigo, who attended vertigo clinic at a tertiary care teaching hospital between March 2019 and April 2022. RESULTS: Of 78 children, 30 (38.46%) were boys and 48 (61.53%) were girls. In this study, the average age of the participating children was 11.8 years. Of the 78 children, 10 (12.82%) children were of preschool age, 22 (28.20%) children were of elementary school age, and 46 (58.97%) children were in the adolescent age group. The most common cause of the vertigo was vestibular migraine in pediatric age (30.76%). The most common associated symptom with vertigo was nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: There are various etiologies for vertigo. The most common etiology for vertigo in children is vestibular migraine. Children may show same types of clinical presentations. The treatment of vertigo in children should be individualized as per the diagnosis.