What is Dizziness or Vertigo?

 

• Dizziness or Vertigo is when the child feels he is revolving or surrounding is revolving.

• This condition is relatively uncommon in childhood.

• Dizziness is a complex condition and needs medical review

BASICS 

• Balance and coordination are determined by three main systems in the body.

• All of them are interconnected to maintain balance. If any of them are disrupted, then dizziness is a possibility.

a) The Ear-

• Inside the ear, there are sensors that help maintain balance.

• Remember when you have ear infections u can be dizzy

b) The Eye-

• Eyes Are important to maintain balance.

• Normally in spite of closing our eyes, we can maintain balance. That’s because the other systems are working fine to maintain balance

c) The Brain-

• Parts of brain are involved to constantly maintain balance

CAUSES

Headaches-

• Certain types of a headache like a migraine may present with dizziness.

• They generally also have a history of vomiting and irritation to bright light.

Blood supply problems to the brain –

• Generally seen between 1 to 4 years of age with episodes of abnormal eye movements and dizziness lasting less than 10 minutes duration.

Ear infections-

• May present with abnormal buzzing sound in ear or pain in ear

• Viral infections affecting the nerve in ear- like chicken pox

Head Trauma-

• May follow trauma to head with signs of abnormal consciousness, Vision problems, fits.

Psychological reasons-

• Children suffering from depression, autism are known to have vertigo

EXAMINATION

• Detailed examination of the ear for obvious signs of infection is done.

• Hearing tests are opted

• A detailed examination of the eye is done.

• CT/ MRI investigations

 

INVESTIGATIONS

• Blood tests are done to rule out infections

• Otoscopy – Ear examination

• X ray involving middle and inner ear

• Electroencephalography- Reading of brain voltages to assist diagnosis of fits

INITIAL MANAGEMENT

In-ear infections,

• Child has to be seen by Ear doctor and started on appropriate antibiotics and anti-vertigo tabs like Meclizine or dimenhydrinate

In Eye symptoms

• You need assessment by an eye doctor.

MANAGEMENT

• Lie down the child in a comfortable position during an attack

• Observe in a dark room with minimum noise

• If suspecting migraine, find the triggering factors like sleep pattern, stress factors

• The doctor may provide pain killers and anti vertigo medications. If the ear is filled with fluid ( infection) then Grommet ( a tube) is inserted to drain the fluid from the ear.

• Always see a doctor if any concerns of dizziness, collapse, unconsciousness.

 

DANGER SIGNS

• Any change in consciousness

• High fever

• Any suspicion of brain involvement- change in posture, weakness, fits and others