Clinical evaluation of the vestibular impairment using video head impulse test In children with acute otitis media

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the vestibular impairment in children with acute otitis media (AOM) and dizziness by using video head impulse test (vHIT) and to compare their results with healthy children. Methods: The study included two groups of subjects. The patient group consisted of 34 pediatric patients with AOM and dizziness and the control group consisted of 35 healthy children, age between 4 and 15. The age, gender, mean vHIT gains and gain asymmetry values were compared between groups for each canal. In both groups, mean vHIT gains were compared between the right and left sides. Additionally, mean vHIT gains and the presence of saccades according to AOM stages were analyzed. Results: The comparison of vHIT gains between affected and unaffected sides in patients revealed a significant decrease only in the anterior canal plane on the affected side. Covert saccades were observed in 32% of the patients. When comparing the AOM stages and the presence of saccades in patients, no difference was detected between stages. Conclusion: vHIT is a useful vestibular test for the evaluation of vestibular impairment in children with an applicability rate of 92% in healthy children and 70% in patients with AOM and dizziness. The patients with AOM and dizziness are presented with a decrease in vHIT gains and the presence of cover saccades only in vertical canal planes, supporting that slight vestibular impairment in these patients may represent pathologic vHIT results only in vertical canal planes. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.