[Vestibular diagnostics in childhood - methods and assessment].

BACKGROUND: Children with vertigo are thought to be difficult to examine. Vestibular test batteries are used less frequently for children than in adult patients.

METHODS: Within the context of a retrospective study 136 patients in age between 0 and 15 years, who were examined by Frenzel's glasses, ENG and VOG between 1996 and 1999 were evaluated. Caloric test and frequency selective rotation chair tests were performed.

RESULTS: Workability of VOG examination (91 %) was higher than Frenzel glasses (86 %) and ENG (78 %). Videooculography is the method of choice in childhood. Comparing diagnosis after vestibular testing and discharge diagnosis a sensitivity of 68 %, a specificity of 88 %, an accuracy of aim of 79 % and a positive predictive value of 92,9 % was calculated.

CONCLUSION: Thus restriction of vestibular functional diagnostics in childhood is not justified.