Pediatric vestibulopathy and pseudovestibulopathy: differential diagnosis and management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Evaluation of children with vestibular complaints may be challenging. The approach to these patients is often quite different than the approach to adults with similar complaints. This review will discuss the evaluation of pediatric vestibular disease with an emphasis on recent evidence in the literature

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent evidence has elucidated the most common etiologies of vertigo in children, documented the utility and feasibility of objective diagnostic testing such as electronystagmography and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in this population, and demonstrated the efficacy of new therapies such as rizatriptan for the treatment of migraine in children.

SUMMARY

An evidence-based approach to the evaluation of pediatric vestibular dysfunction may improve diagnostic yield and facilitate timely initiation of appropriate therapy.