Dizziness in Children

The term 'dizziness' is used interchangeably with other terms such as lightheadedness or vertigo. Dizziness is basically an uncomfortable sensation wherein a person may feel unsteady. Many people may suffer from vertigo. Vertigo is an unsettling sensation wherein the sufferer feels that the surroundings are spinning around him/her.

Dizziness may or may not be accompanied by syncope or actual loss of consciousness. Both children and adults may experience dizzy spells. Dehydration, low blood sugar levels, anemia, blood loss due to injuries or ear infections are some of the common causes of dizziness in children.

Dizziness could sometimes be psychogenic in nature. Children who have stage fright may feel dizzy while performing on stage. A child may experience dizziness when he/she is in a state of heightened anxiety. The fear of being humiliated in front of an audience may be a contributing factor behind dizzy spells. Dizziness is not a disease in itself. It is often indicative of other medical conditions. In this article, we will look into the circumstances under which children may suffer from dizzy spells along with ways to treat the same.

Children may feel unsteady, faint, dizzy or lightheaded due to a wide range of reasons. The symptoms or the sensation a child experiences during a dizzy spell, may vary depending on the underlying cause. As mentioned earlier, the term vertigo refers to dizziness accompanied by the spinning sensation.

Subjective vertigo refers to the sensation wherein the person feels that his body is spinning around. On the other hand, objective vertigo refers to the sensation of movement in the surroundings. Vertigo may also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating or abnormal eye movements. Vertigo is usually caused due to decreased flow of blood to the brain.

Traumatic head injuries, inner ear infections or Meniere's disease also figure in the list of common causes of dizziness in children. Since inner ear is also responsible for maintaining the balance of the body, infections in this region can make one feel unsteady or lightheaded.

Balance centers of the brain can get affected due to stroke, tumors or cysts. Sometimes children may experience dizziness when standing up. This is mainly attributed to orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when we suddenly get up after sitting or lying down.

Under normal circumstances, when one gets up after lying down or sitting for some time, oxygenated blood is soon sent to the brain. If blood doesn't reach the brain quickly, the blood pressure may still be low as one gets up.

It is this inability of the body to adapt to the new position and the consequent low blood pressure while getting up that is referred to as orthostatic hypotension. Low blood sugar is another common cause of dizziness.

Children who often skip meals are more likely to suffer from low blood sugar, which may cause low energy levels, confusion or dizziness. Motion sickness, heat stroke or dehydration can also make one susceptible to bouts of dizziness. Children suffering from anemia, cardiac arrhythmia or diabetes are also at an increased risk of suffering from dizzy spells.

Since dizziness could be caused due to a wide range of reasons, the treatment options that would be recommended would depend on the underlying cause. Certain self care measures, however, can help in lowering the incidence of dizzy spells.

For instance, following a healthy diet will certainly prove beneficial, especially when dizzy spells are associated with anemia, low blood sugar or dehydration. Children must also stay well hydrated at all times. Parents must make sure that children don't skip meals and follow a healthy diet that fulfills their body's needs for the nutrients.

As far as dizziness that is accompanied by spinning sensation is considered, teaching certain physical maneuvers to the child may help. Repositioning movements can certainly help children suffering from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This is a form of vertigo wherein spinning sensation is caused due to sudden head movements.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based program wherein certain custom-designed exercises are taught so as to help the child maintain balance and prevent him/her from falling. Children who suffer from dizzy spells due to anxiety, would benefit from practicing breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques.

A thorough medical checkup must be performed if a child has been suffering from frequent bouts of dizzy spells. Once the underlying cause of dizziness is ascertained, drug therapy or other treatment options can be suggested. It's important to teach the child certain physical maneuvers or measures that may help in alleviating the symptoms of dizziness.