Pediatric vestibular testing: Tolerability of test components in children

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

Author(s): Peter J. Ciolek, Elise Kang, Julie A. Honaker, Erika A. Woodson, Brandon S. Hopkins, Samantha Anne

Abstract

Introduction

Objective of the study is to define rates of successful completion of components of pediatric vestibular testing (VT).

Methods

Retrospective review of VT performed on patients less than 18 years of age from 2004 to 2015.

Results

188 pediatric patients (mean age: 13.9 ± 3.56 years old, range 2–17 years) underwent testing. Thirty-five (18.6%) had abnormal test results. Pediatric patients unable to complete all aspects of VT could still complete an average of 7.9 ± 4.0 of 12 test components. The optokinetic tracking test was the most commonly omitted component of the vestibular tests. In a multivariate analysis, failure to perform Nylen-Barany positional testing (χ² 27.5, p < 0.0001) or Dix-Hallpike (5.66, p = 0.0174) testing was associated with inability to obtain final diagnosis on VT.

Conclusions

Interpretable VT may be obtained in most children, even in those that do not tolerate the full testing protocol. Spontaneous and gaze-evoked nystagmus testing maybe considered as part of initial testing protocol before attempting less well-tolerated components such as bithermal calorics or components that require VNG goggles.

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