Question
What are the etiological factors, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies for vestibular disorders in pediatric patients?
Answer
Vestibular disorders in children are a significant cause for childhood morbidity with various manifestations that are often unrecognized or undiagnosed. Dizziness/vestibular symptoms are usually managed by pediatricians and pediatric neurologists or neurotologists and surgeons who primarily deal with adults. Dedicated pediatric neurotologists require training in all aspects of pediatric diseases for a holistic approach for management that is crucial for best outcomes.
The aetiological profile, phenotype, and management for peripheral and central disorders is markedly different from that in adults. The diagnostic algorithm with the latest technology is also different as children are far more difficult to obtain anamnesis from and to test as compared to adults. Examining a child is really an art that can come from years of experience and knowledge about the pediatric vestibular system and its development. It is also important to recognize the close overlap with pediatric neurology, and indeed, a robust knowledge in neurology is essential to practice pediatric neurotology.
To delve deeper into the topic, I suggest looking into the AudiologyOnline course “Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Vestibular Disorders in Children” led by Professor Soumit Dasgupta MBBS DLO MS FRCS MSc FIAOHNS FRCP, with whom Inventis has had the pleasure and honor of collaborating. The presentation includes an overview of the developing pediatric vestibular system in children, the etiology of pediatric vestibular disorders, the diagnostic process with evidence-based latest methods, and their management. The differences in pediatric vestibular diagnosis and disease profiles are also highlighted from the authors’ personal series.
Resources for More Information
For more information:
- View this AudiologyOnline course – “Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Vestibular Disorders in Children”.
- Visit Inventis website https://www.inventis.it/en-na
