Pediatric vestibular physiotherapy

How can I help my child?

Effective treatments offered by physiotherapist at Solution Active Physiotherapy at Montreal to take care of your children

WHAT IS IT?

Vestibular rehabilitation encompasses all treatments that address the symptoms caused by a problem with the vestibular system. In children, the main complaints are:

Children with a vestibular problem may also experience symptoms such as:

However, unlike adults, children rarely complain about vertigo or incoordination, as they accept them as normal.

The Role of the Vestibular System

Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system is essential for controlling posture and balance, as well as for spatial orientation.

It detects head movements and position relative to gravity and stabilizes gaze during head movements, allowing us to have clear vision when we are in motion.

In children, the vestibular system is essential for motor development:

the development of antigravity muscles and muscle tone, important for maintaining sitting and standing positions;
the acquisition of postural control, which is fundamental for the development of locomotion and for exploring the environment (the ability to walk, run, and play—all while unconsciously maintaining an upright posture);
and the acquisition of protective reactions, balance, and gait.

The vestibular system develops before birth, during the first trimester of pregnancy. Its development continues throughout the child's growth period, reaching maturity at 15-17 years of age. At this age, a child's balance is similar to that of an adult. However, it is important to know that the critical period for balance development is between 4 and 6 years of age. Therefore, it is important to address balance problems before this age.

During the first month of life, the proper functioning of the vestibular system allows babies to hold their heads upright: they lift their heads because they are becoming aware of their head's position relative to gravity. Around 2 months of age, the child identifies verticality and begins to hold their head upright. Subsequently, the child straightens their trunk, becomes increasingly stable, and can maintain their balance when moving their arms: they can lie on their stomach and raise an arm to reach for toys, and they change positions more and more easily. Around 6 months of age, postural control allows babies to sit up without support, and then to stand and progress towards walking.

Vestibular disorders in children:

Vestibular migraines
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): after a concussion, children may experience vestibular symptoms requiring rehabilitation.
Otitis media
Vestibular neuritis
Childhood paroxysmal positional vertigo (CPV)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Congenital causes: hereditary malformation of the inner ear, hereditary autoimmune syndromes
Tumors of the inner ear or brain (extremely rare in children)

Why consult a physiotherapist?

The presence of vestibular pathology or dysfunction in children, in addition to causing very unpleasant symptoms, can lead to long-term problems:

Furthermore, these children are often "clumsy", they bump into objects, and they are often misdiagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Studies show that the vast majority of children who experience academic difficulties have abnormal vestibular tests.

In physiotherapy, after a thorough assessment of your child's condition, the physiotherapist specializing in vestibular rehabilitation will propose a treatment plan. Treatments focus on reducing symptoms and improving postural control and balance.

Studies show that vestibular rehabilitation is a safe and effective therapy.

Furthermore, one of the main objectives of the treatments is to improve the child's motor development in order to promote the acquisition of motor skills necessary for a healthy and active adult life.