A child complaining of dizziness may appear normal and may not have any obvious abnormalities on physical exam, but the differential diagnosis of dizziness in children is expansive, ranging anywhere from simple dehydration to a vestibular or balance disorder to a brain tumor.
Not drinking enough fluids―especially during hot weather or in overheated spaces. Dehydration is the most common cause of fainting in children. Not drinking enough fluids also reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure. Standing still for a long time in one place.
Most studies show that musculoskeletal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue increase during pubertal development in girls.
Kids, like adults, may occasionally feel lightheaded or unsteady. But if such feelings repeat or interfere with everyday life, it could be a sign of a balance disorder. Most balance problems are temporary and easy to treat. But these problems may also signal a more serious condition that could have a lasting impact.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if: Your child feels dizzy and has a fever, headache, or ringing in the ears. Your child has new or increased nausea and vomiting. The dizziness does not go away or comes back.
If you are dizzy right now and have any of the following neurological symptoms along with your dizziness or vertigo, call 911 immediately: New confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech. New slurred speech or hoarseness of voice. New numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg.
The cerebellum controls our balance and posture. So a tumour in this area may cause: problems with coordination and balance. dizziness.
Dizziness has many possible causes, including inner ear disturbance, motion sickness and medication effects. Sometimes it's caused by an underlying health condition, such as poor circulation, infection or injury.
Benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPVC) is a common cause of recurrent episodes of dizziness in children. The dizziness episodes are often sudden, last a few seconds to one minute, and children recover completely after the episode, resuming normal play.
Dizziness Can Be a Symptom of an Anxiety Disorder
Your fight or flight instinct kicks in – your fight or flight instinct is often triggered when you feel anxious, as your body prepares for the dangers that you believe are ahead of you. This can lead to a rush of adrenaline, leaving you feeling dizzy and/or lightheaded.
Syncope is caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the head. It is often triggered by growth spurts and puberty. Most children stop fainting as they get older.
Not drinking enough fluids and being a little dehydrated probably caused the dizziness. It should go away with drinking fluids and resting in a cool place. This is always made worse during hot weather. Too much sun exposure can also increase the body's need for fluid.
People with diabetes may experience dizziness, either as a symptom of the condition or as a result of dehydration or certain medications. A doctor can help determine the cause and how to manage or treat it. Diabetes can cause low or high blood sugar, which can make people feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Many conditions can cause dizziness without vestibular dysfunction (pseudovertigo). Common causes include anemia, orthostatic hypotension, presyncope, pregnancy, hyperventilation, anxiety, and depression.
Common causes of dizziness include medication side effects; infections or other disorders of the inner ear; tumors; a stroke that occurs in the back of the brain; Ménière's disease, which attacks a nerve important in balance and hearing; benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, when tiny crystals in the inner ear become ...
Several tests can help the doctor determine whether a brain tumor is present. These can include: A neurological exam — Tests your child's reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, eye and mouth movement, coordination and alertness. Imaging tests — Detailed pictures of the brain's structures and possible signs of a tumor.
While a brain tumor isn't likely to be a direct cause of dizziness, some tumors can trigger headaches and bouts of nausea and vomiting that may be associated with a dizzy feeling. This is especially true if an individual experiences frequent vomiting and becomes dehydrated.
Dizziness alone is often not much cause for concern, especially if it passes after a few moments. However, if you experience additional symptoms or fainting, you should talk to your doctor. If you experience vomiting, double vision, or trouble using your arms or legs, you should get immediate medical attention.
If you have been experiencing vertigo for more than a day or two, it's so severe that you can't stand or walk, or you are vomiting frequently and can't keep food down, you should make an appointment with a neurologist.
In general, if dizziness lasts longer than a few days, or is severe enough to keep you from normal activities, you should talk with your doctor.