Paediatric vestibular dysfunction
Reviewed by Sunil Sharma

This Malaysian study looked at the awareness amongst otorhinolaryngologists in the investigation and management of paediatric vestibular dysfunction. The authors noted that, although paediatric vestibular dysfunction is a common problem, there seems to be limited literature in assessing the proficiency of otorhinolaryngologists in managing this condition. The authors carried out a cross-sectional survey of 156 otorhinolaryngologists practising in Malaysia. There was a response rate of 87.8%. Almost 60% of the respondents were aged between 31 and 40 years old and 67.9% were from government hospitals, with 55.5% having less than five years’ working experience. Just over 90% of the respondents did not perform vestibular dysfunction assessment as part of their routine examination of a child, although in 81% of respondents, this was because the patient was not complaining of vestibular symptoms. A total of 42.3% of respondents felt that there was a lack of awareness surrounding paediatric vestibular disorders, and only 16% of respondents were comfortable performing vestibular assessment in children. There was a greater number of senior otorhinolaryngologists than junior otorhinolaryngologists who were more comfortable with prescribing medication for children with vestibular dysfunction (p=0.025). Based on these findings, the authors suggest that education amongst otorhinolaryngologists on vestibular assessment and management in children is imperative to improve the overall care and quality of life in children.

Proficiency in the care of a child with vestibular dysfunction.
Saniasiaya J, Kulasegarah J, Narayanan P, Salim R.
B-ENT
2023;19:111-7.