Children can sometimes find it difficult to describe dizziness or explain exactly how they feel. Instead of saying they are dizzy, they may complain that the room is "moving", feel sick, avoid physical activities, become unusually clumsy, or simply say they "don't feel right."

Our specialist paediatric vestibular assessment is designed to identify whether a child's symptoms are related to the inner ear, the balance system, migraine, vision, or another underlying condition.

When Should My Child Be Assessed?

A balance assessment may be helpful if your child experiences:

• Recurrent dizziness

• Episodes of vertigo

• Frequent unexplained falls

• Poor balance or clumsiness

• Delayed motor development

• Difficulty riding a bicycle

• Motion sickness

• Dizziness following a head injury

• Balance problems after an ear infection

• Persistent nausea associated with movement

• Headaches associated with dizziness

• Unexplained reluctance to participate in sport or playground activities

Although many childhood balance problems improve with time, persistent symptoms deserve further investigation.

What Causes Balance Problems in Children?

There are many possible causes, including:

Vestibular Migraine

One of the most common causes of recurrent dizziness in children.

Symptoms may include:

• Episodes of dizziness

• Headaches

• Light sensitivity

• Motion sensitivity

• Nausea

Some children experience dizziness even without significant headaches.

Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo of Childhood (BPVC)

A common childhood condition causing brief episodes of vertigo in otherwise healthy children.

Children often recover completely between attacks, and many later develop migraine.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Although less common than in adults, BPPV can occur following head injuries or viral illnesses.

Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis

Inflammation affecting the inner ear can result in sudden dizziness, imbalance and, in the case of labyrinthitis, hearing loss.

Middle Ear Problems

Persistent middle ear disease or glue ear may contribute to balance difficulties in younger children.

Concussion or Head Injury

Some children experience persistent dizziness and balance problems following even relatively minor head injuries.

Developmental or Neurological Conditions

Occasionally, balance problems are associated with neurological or developmental disorders, requiring further specialist assessment.

What Does the Assessment Involve?

Every child is different, so the assessment is tailored to their age, symptoms and ability.

The appointment usually includes:

Detailed Clinical History

We begin by discussing your child's symptoms, medical history, developmental milestones and any previous investigations or treatments.

Ear Examination

We examine both ears using otoscopy to assess the ear canals and eardrums.

Hearing Assessment

Where appropriate, we perform age-appropriate hearing tests and tympanometry to assess middle ear function.

Balance Assessment

Depending on your child's age and symptoms, this may include:

• Observation of gait and coordination

• Balance tasks

• Eye movement assessment

• Positional testing where appropriate

• Clinical vestibular examination

Advanced Vestibular Testing

Older children may also be suitable for specialised investigations such as:

• Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT)

• Videonystagmography (VNG)

• Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP)

• Computerised Posturography

Not every child requires every investigation, and testing is always adapted to the individual child.

Is the Assessment Child-Friendly?

Absolutely.

We understand that hospitals and medical appointments can sometimes feel intimidating for children.

Our assessments are designed to be:

• Calm

• Unhurried

• Child-friendly

• Age-appropriate

• Reassuring for both children and parents

Whenever possible, we explain each part of the assessment in language your child can understand.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Following the assessment, we will explain our findings and discuss the next steps.

Depending on the results, this may include:

• Reassurance

• Vestibular rehabilitation advice

• Canalith repositioning manoeuvres (if appropriate)

• Advice for school or sporting activities

• Referral to ENT, paediatric neurology or another specialist where necessary

• Communication with your GP or referring clinician

A detailed written report is provided where appropriate.

Why Choose Northern Balance Clinic?

Unlike many clinics, we specialise exclusively in disorders affecting hearing, dizziness and balance.

Our clinicians have extensive experience assessing both adults and children with vestibular disorders and use modern diagnostic equipment to investigate even complex presentations.

We aim not simply to provide test results, but to combine your child's history, examination and investigation findings to provide a clear explanation of what is happening and what can be done next.

Book a Children's Balance Assessment

If your child experiences recurrent dizziness, vertigo, frequent falls or unexplained balance problems, our specialist clinicians can provide a comprehensive paediatric balance assessment to help identify the underlying cause and guide the most appropriate management.