[Vestibular diagnostics in childhood - methods and assessment].

BACKGROUND

Children with vertigo are thought to be difficult to examine. Vestibular test batteries are used less frequently for children than in adult patients.

METHODS

Within the context of a retrospective study 136 patients in age between 0 and 15 years, who were examined by Frenzel's glasses, ENG and VOG between 1996 and 1999 were evaluated. Caloric test and frequency selective rotation chair tests were performed.

RESULTS

Workability of VOG examination (91 %) was higher than Frenzel glasses (86 %) and ENG (78 %). Videooculography is the method of choice in childhood. Comparing diagnosis after vestibular testing and discharge diagnosis a sensitivity of 68 %, a specificity of 88 %, an accuracy of aim of 79 % and a positive predictive value of 92,9 % was calculated.

CONCLUSION

Thus restriction of vestibular functional diagnostics in childhood is not justified.