Experience from the First Paediatric Vestibular and Balance Clinic in a Multiracial Asian Setting.

Objective: Paediatric vestibular and balance services have recently gained attention across the globe. We present our one-year experience exploring the aetiology of paediatric vestibular disorders in a recently established Paediatric vestibular and balance clinic. Methods: Children and adolescents under 18 referred to the Paediatric Vestibular and Balance Clinic for evaluation were included. Results: 74 children were included in this study (Mean age: 10.04 ± 3.9). We found a slight female predominance, n = 38 (51.35%). Abnormal vestibular function was observed in 60.8% of children. Vestibular migraine (VM) was the most common aetiologic cause, n = 35 (47.3%), followed by vestibular/balance delay (n = 11). Conclusion: The most prevalent cause of dizziness was VM, followed by vestibular delay found in children with isolated speech and language delay. We highlight the importance of awareness of various causes of dizziness in children amongst carers and physicians to diagnose and manage it early. Main Points: Vestibular and balance conditions in children are underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and expertise. Children may know how to verbalise their symptoms which may lead to delay in diagnosis causing significant morbidity notable motor delay. Vestibular migraine is the most common cause of vestibular pathology in children. Children with sensory integrative disorder such as isolated speech and language delay may have concurrent vestibular delay. Early identification of vestibular and balance delay may result in early vestibular rehabilitation which can improve child's overall growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]