The case of benign paroxysmal vertigo with perspective

Pediatric subjects with vertigo are rare in Japan. Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) is a frequent disease similar to orthostatic hypotension. We report herein on a case of BPV in which psychological dizziness had previously been diagnosed. A 5-year-old girl visited our hospital complaining of repeated attacks of vertigo for 3 years. She had intermittent strabismus, and the result of her stabilometry showed functional symptoms, so the doctor who had treated her previously at the age of 4 diagnosed psychological dizziness with visual influence, and observation was started. Her symptoms persisted for 12 months however, and she visited our hospital. Her equilibrium and neurological status were examined. And we asked her family about the situation at the time of attack in detail. Based on the interview, we discovered that she felt fear at the time of attacks, and her family had a history of migraines. Based on our finding, we diagnosed her as having BPV. Vestibular rehabilitation on its own effected a cure. History taking is so important in the diagnosis of BPV, so that we may fully understand the diagnostic criteria prior to examination of pediatric subjects with vertigo.