Vertigo living in children

Overview

Vertigo is a false sense of movement, often feeling like the room is spinning or you are moving when you are not. In children, it can be scary, but it often gets better with the right care.

Vertigo is less common in children than in adults, but it is not rare. Many children experience at least one episode, often linked to ear infections or migraines.

Vertigo can affect children of any age, from toddlers to teenagers. It is more common in children who have migraines, ear infections, or a family history of dizziness.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling like the room is spinning
• Loss of balance or stumbling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)

Symptoms in children

• Crying or clinging to parent
• Not wanting to move or be touched
• Complaining of a 'funny head' or 'wobbly' feeling
• Tripping or falling more than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may also experience vertigo, but the causes and treatment can be different. This article focuses on children.

Causes

Main causes

• Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis)
• Migraine (especially migraine with vertigo)
• Head injury or concussion
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place
• Less common causes: brain tumours, stroke (very rare in children)

Risk factors

• Family history of migraines or vertigo
• Recurrent ear infections
• Recent head injury
• History of motion sickness

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has any emergency symptoms listed above
• If vertigo starts after a head injury
• If your child is unable to walk or has severe balance problems

Book a routine appointment if:

• If vertigo lasts more than a few days
• If your child has frequent episodes of dizziness
• If you are worried about your child's development or school performance due to vertigo

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and do a physical exam. They may check your child's ears, eyes, and balance. No special tests are usually needed unless symptoms are severe or long-lasting.

Tests that may be done

• Hearing test (audiometry) to check for inner ear problems
• Balance test (electronystagmography or video nystagmography) to see how eyes move
• Imaging like an MRI or CT scan if a brain problem is suspected (rare)
• Blood tests to check for infection or other conditions

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will likely ask your child to describe the feeling, watch their eyes, and test their balance. It can be helpful to keep a diary of when vertigo occurs and what triggers it.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Most vertigo in children gets better on its own. Your doctor may recommend simple exercises to help the brain adjust to the false signals from the inner ear. Medicines can help with nausea and dizziness, but these should only be used under medical advice.

Self-care at home

• Have your child lie still in a quiet, dark room during an episode
• Keep your child hydrated with small sips of water
• Avoid sudden head movements
• Use a cold or warm compress on the forehead if migraine is suspected

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe antibiothistamines (antihistamines) to reduce dizziness and nausea, or betahistine in some cases, but only after a proper diagnosis. For migraine-related vertigo, migraine prevention treatments may be used. Always follow your doctor's advice and never give your child medicines without a prescription.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for vertigo in children. It may be considered if there is a structural problem in the inner ear or if a benign tumour needs removal. Your doctor will discuss this if relevant.

Living with this condition

Help your child avoid triggers like bright lights, loud noises, or rapid head turns. Encourage them to sit down when dizzy and to get up slowly from lying down. If vertigo is frequent, talk to the school nurse or teacher so they can support your child in class.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Stay hydrated and eat regular meals
• Avoid skipping meals, which can trigger migraines
• Limit screen time if it seems to worsen symptoms

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet is important. Some children with migraine-related vertigo may benefit from a diet low in foods that trigger migraines (like aged cheeses, caffeine, and processed meats). Gentle exercise like walking or swimming can help, but avoid activities that involve sudden head movements or risk of falls.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Vertigo can be frightening for children and may cause anxiety about when the next episode will happen. They might avoid school or social activities. It is important to reassure your child and talk openly about their feelings. If anxiety becomes severe, consider seeking support from a counsellor or child psychologist.

Prevention

Not all vertigo can be prevented, but you can reduce the risk of some causes. Treat ear infections promptly, use safety gear during sports to prevent head injuries, and manage migraines with lifestyle changes.

Vaccines

Vaccines can prevent some infections that may lead to vertigo, such as influenza and pneumococcal disease. Discuss your child's vaccination schedule with your doctor.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for vertigo in children. If your child has symptoms, see a doctor for evaluation.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls and injuries from loss of balance
• Difficulty at school – missing classes or trouble concentrating
• Anxiety or depression from dealing with repeated episodes
• In rare cases, untreated inner ear infections can lead to hearing loss

Long-term outlook

The outlook for children with vertigo is generally very good. Many children outgrow it, especially if it is linked to ear infections or migraines. With proper treatment and support, most children can lead a normal, active life.

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