Dizziness in Children: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Children may experience dizziness?

Hello doctor, I have a daughter who is in the fourth grade this year.
Since first grade, she has been intermittently telling me that she feels dizzy, and last year, during her third grade, the frequency of her dizziness increased.
She experiences dizziness while playing soccer, dodgeball, or even when soaking in hot water.
Whenever she has a fever of 37 degrees Celsius, she also feels dizzy.
When she gets dizzy, she is afraid to walk, and in severe cases, she lies on the ground and cannot get up without assistance.
We have taken her to a large hospital for examinations, and they said everything is fine.
She has undergone brain scans and ear examinations, and they all reported no issues.
However, I am still worried that there might be something wrong with her.
Could it be that dizziness is hereditary? I also experience intermittent dizziness, as does my mother, and we both have the same fear of walking when we feel dizzy.
Is this condition hereditary? If so, is there any treatment available? Which specialist should I take her to see?

Xiao Qing, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/18

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, positional vertigo should be considered first.
The symptoms are characterized by brief episodes of dizziness related to changes in head position, such as bending over, leaning back, lying down, getting up, turning over, or suddenly turning the head.
These movements can trigger vertigo and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, palpitations, cold sweats, and feelings of weakness.
The causes are mostly unknown, but some may be due to inflammation, degeneration, or head trauma leading to the displacement of otoliths in the vestibular system of the inner ear, which then enter the semicircular canals.
When the head position changes, the movement of the otoliths within the semicircular canals alters the electrical potential of the inner ear, resulting in vertigo.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is more common in middle-aged women.
In children, it may be necessary to consider dizziness caused by basilar-type migraine.
It is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist and a pediatric neurologist for discussion, examination, and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.

Reply Date: 2016/02/18

More Info

Dizziness in children can be a concerning symptom for both parents and healthcare providers. Understanding its causes, potential concerns, and solutions is essential for managing this condition effectively.
Dizziness can manifest in various forms, including lightheadedness, vertigo (a sensation of spinning), and a feeling of unsteadiness. In children, these symptoms can arise from a multitude of factors, ranging from benign to more serious underlying conditions. Given your daughter's history of dizziness, especially during physical activities or when experiencing mild fever, it is crucial to explore the potential causes.

One common cause of dizziness in children is orthostatic hypotension, which occurs when a child stands up too quickly, causing a temporary drop in blood pressure. This can lead to lightheadedness or fainting. Another possibility is vestibular dysfunction, which affects the inner ear's ability to maintain balance. This could explain why your daughter experiences dizziness during activities like playing soccer or dodgeball.

Additionally, anxiety can also manifest as dizziness in children. If your daughter feels anxious or stressed, especially in social situations or during physical exertion, this could contribute to her symptoms. It's worth considering whether there are any emotional or psychological factors at play.

Since you mentioned that your daughter has undergone various tests, including brain and ear examinations, and the results were normal, it may be beneficial to consult with a pediatric neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. These specialists can conduct further evaluations to rule out any neurological or vestibular disorders that may not have been detected in previous assessments.

Regarding the hereditary aspect of dizziness, certain conditions that cause dizziness can indeed run in families. If you and your mother experience similar symptoms, it is possible that there is a genetic component involved. However, this does not necessarily mean that your daughter will experience the same issues. Genetic predisposition can influence susceptibility to certain conditions, but environmental factors and overall health also play significant roles.

In terms of management, there are several strategies you can employ to help alleviate your daughter's dizziness. Encouraging her to stay hydrated, especially during physical activities, can help prevent dizziness related to dehydration. Additionally, teaching her to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions may help mitigate symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

If anxiety is a contributing factor, consider implementing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness practices. These can help her manage stress and reduce the frequency of dizziness episodes.

Lastly, maintaining regular follow-ups with healthcare providers is essential. If her symptoms persist or worsen, further investigations may be warranted, including blood tests to check for anemia or other metabolic issues that could contribute to dizziness.

In summary, dizziness in children can stem from various causes, including orthostatic hypotension, vestibular dysfunction, and anxiety. Given your daughter's symptoms and family history, consulting with a pediatric neurologist or ENT specialist is advisable. Implementing hydration strategies and relaxation techniques may also provide relief. Regular monitoring and open communication with healthcare providers will ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Persistent Dizziness in Children: Causes and Solutions

My 8-year-old child has been experiencing dizziness for three weeks. We have seen an otolaryngologist and a neurologist, and blood tests have been conducted. The doctors have all said that my child seems to be in good spirits and does not appear to be ill, although there is some ...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Family Medicine
The letter mentions that the 8-year-old child has been experiencing dizziness for three weeks and has also been vomiting. The child has seen an otolaryngologist and a specialist in dizziness, but there has been no improvement in the condition. It is unclear whether a pediatric ne...

Understanding Morning Dizziness in Children: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: My child is nine years old. One morning, about ten minutes after waking up, he suddenly felt very unwell, experienced dizziness, and couldn't stand. He immediately lay down, his lips turned pale, and he was sweating all over. This lasted for about ten minutes b...

Dr. Wang Jiayi reply Pediatrics
Hello, Xiaofang: Based on your description, it is not clear what the cause might be, as various factors such as orthostatic hypotension could lead to similar symptoms. Please take him to a general pediatrics department at a medical center for evaluation. The Pediatric Department ...

Understanding Dizziness in 10-Year-Olds: Possible Causes and Concerns

My 10-year-old daughter, who is in the fourth grade, has recently been frequently complaining of dizziness. She experiences it at any time, and the duration varies; sometimes it lasts half an hour to an hour, and there have been instances where she felt dizzy for an entire day. S...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
There are many possible causes of dizziness, and it is difficult to provide an explanation without examining the patient on-site. It is recommended to visit a major hospital's pediatric neurology department for evaluation.

Can Ear Membrane Imbalance in Children Be Treated with Medication?

I would like to ask if an imbalance in the eardrum can cause dizziness and vomiting. Can it be cured with medication?

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Problems with the vestibular system in the inner ear can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting. Treatment and prognosis depend on the underlying cause. Common causes of vestibular issues include vestibular neuritis due to viral infections, benign paroxysmal positional v...