Vestibularisdiagnostik im Kindesalter

Dizziness is a common symptom not only in adults but also in children, with a rising incidence in recent years. The prevalence of vestibular disorders in the pediatric population ranges between 0.4% and 15%, depending on the study. While both genders are equally affected in childhood, females are more frequently diagnosed after puberty, a trend persisting into old age. Migraine-associated vertigo, such as benign paroxysmal childhood vertigo (BPVC) and vestibular migraine, accounts for up to 50% of pediatric cases. These conditions manifest as sudden, short-lived dizziness episodes with rapid recovery. In addition to migraine-associated forms, classical peripheral vestibular disorders-including vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and endolymphatic hydrops-can also occur in children but are often diagnosed late due to non-specific symptoms and difficulties in symptom description.Vestibular function is crucial for cognitive and motor development, influencing spatial orientation, attention, and executive functions. Children with vestibular dysfunction often exhibit delayed motor milestones and compromised postural control. Despite the availability of objective diagnostic methods like the video head impulse test (vHIT) and vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), there is no standardized pediatric vestibular diagnostic protocol. Therefore, vestibular disorders should be considered in differential diagnoses, especially in children with dizziness, motor developmental delays, or those undergoing cochlear implant surgery. Early diagnosis enables targeted interventions, such as vestibular physiotherapy, to support affected children. This review highlights the necessity of pediatric vestibular diagnostics and proposes a practical approach to assessing balance function in children.