Clinical aspects and treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in Children

Abstract

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder caused by the displacement of calcium carbonate crystals from the utricle into the semicircular canals. The main symptoms include vertigo, positional nystagmus, instability, nausea, and dizziness-related anxiety. While BPPV is more common in adults, studies indicate that the condition can also occur in children. In this population, it impacts their quality of life, learning process, socialization, and language acquisition. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical aspects and treatment of Pediatric BPPV. We used an integrative review of recent literature on the subject as the method. The main results and conclusions point to the existence of etiological and pathophysiological specificities in Pediatric BPPV. Similarly, although the prevalence of BPPV is lower in children compared to adults, there may be underdiagnosis due to the difficulty children face in reporting their symptoms and the lack of adequate preparation among healthcare services to screen for the condition. Positional maneuvers are the main form of treatment for Pediatric BPPV, as they are for adults, taking into account the identified pathophysiological differences.