Vestibular Disorders in Children: Recognising the Signs and Supporting Recovery

Vestibular disorders are often under-recognised in children, yet they can significantly impact development, learning, and participation in play. These disorders may stem from inner ear dysfunction, neurological conditions, or developmental delays and can present quite differently compared to adults (Li et al., 2020).

At Advanced Vestibular Clinics, we provide specialised paediatric vestibular physiotherapy to help children navigate the challenges of dizziness, imbalance, and delayed motor development—ensuring they can thrive in their daily environments.

👶 Recognising Vestibular Issues in Children

Children with vestibular dysfunction may not describe dizziness the way adults do. Instead, symptoms often appear as:

• Poor balance and frequent falls
• Delayed gross motor milestones (e.g., sitting, crawling, walking)
• Difficulty with coordination or clumsiness
• Poor attention or learning difficulties
• Aversion to movement or swings
• Visual tracking issues
• Anxiety or fear during movement tasks

Some children may describe feeling “floaty,” “spinning,” or “weird in the head,” which can be clues pointing to vestibular involvement (García-Muñoz et al., 2021).

🧒 Causes of Paediatric Vestibular Dysfunction

Common causes include:

• Inner ear infections or vestibular neuritis
• Sensorineural hearing loss
• Concussions or head trauma
• Genetic or congenital syndromes
• Vestibular migraine
• Ototoxic medications

Early identification and management are critical to minimising long-term functional delays.

🧠 How Paediatric Vestibular Physiotherapy Helps

At Advanced Vestibular Clinics, our approach to paediatric vestibular therapy is tailored, engaging, and evidence-based. It includes:

🎯 Individualised Assessment

We use age-appropriate assessment tools to evaluate balance, eye movement control, postural responses, and functional mobility.

🤸 Fun, Play-Based Therapy

Children learn best through movement and play. We incorporate therapeutic games and tasks that challenge the vestibular system in a way that’s motivating and enjoyable.

🧘 Support for Sensory Integration

Many children with vestibular dysfunction have overlapping sensory sensitivities. Our therapy also supports regulation, focus, and confidence.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Education

We empower families with home-based strategies to support progress between sessions and improve day-to-day function.

🌟 Early Treatment = Better Outcomes

Addressing vestibular issues early supports:

• Gross motor skill development
• School participation
• Confidence and independence
• Emotional regulation

If your child is showing signs of imbalance or unexplained dizziness, early assessment is recommended.

🌐 Book a paediatric vestibular assessment today at www.avcphysio.com.au or contact us to learn more.

References

• Li, C., Layman, A. J., Carey, J. P., & Agrawal, Y. (2020). Epidemiology of vestibular vertigo in children and adolescents: a population-based study. Otology & Neurotology, 41(9), e1191–e1198.
• García-Muñoz, C., Muñoz-Herrera, E., Pérez-Fernández, N. (2021). Clinical clues for vestibular dysfunction in paediatric patients. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 143, 110653.
• Wiener-Vacher, S. R., Obeid, R., & Abou-Elew, M. (2016). Vestibular disorders in children. Current Opinion in Neurology, 29(1), 86–92.