Proficiency in the care of a child with vestibular dysfunction
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2023
Abstract
Objective: Vestibular dysfunction among children and adolescents has recently gained attention. Myriad novel studies and research pertaining to various causes of vestibular dysfunction have emerged. Yet, there is still a lack of awareness among most physicians, notably otorhinolaryngo logists, which has led to the condition being overlooked and its prevalence being underestimated. Methods: A cross-sectional Google-form survey involving all otorhinolaryngologists in Malaysia was conducted to determine the awareness of vestibular dysfunction among otorhinolaryngologists in Malaysia. Results: A total of 137 from 156 otorhinolaryngologists answered the survey (87.8%). The majority of the participants were aged between 31 and 40 years old (59.1%), hailing from government hospitals (67.9%), with a working experience of fewer than 5 years (55.5%). A total of 79.6% of them work with children almost daily or frequently. The vestibular assessment was not routine in 91.2% of the participants, and no parental or patient complaint was the top reason behind this (81.0%). Only 16% were comfortable performing vestibular assessment in children. Oculomotor examination is the most favored assessment (71.5%). Otorhinolaryngologists practising longer tends to prescribe medications to children with vestibular dysfunction (P=.025). There is no statistical significance between years of experience, comfort level, or routine vestibular assessment. Conclusion: Vestibular assessment is not routine in children among otorhinolaryngologists, albeit with longer working experience. Lack of assessment is attributed to the parents or patients who do not complain of vestibular dysfunction. The majority of otorhinolaryngologists are not comfortable with vestibular assessment in children. Medication is prescribed comfortably by senior otorhinolaryngologists. These findings suggest that education on vestibular assessment and management is imperative among otorhinolaryngologists to improve the overall care and quality of life in children.
Keywords
Awareness, Balance, Children, Vestibular assessment, Vestibular dysfunction
Divisions
otorhino
Funders
None
Publication Title
B-ENT
Volume
19
Issue
2
Publisher
AVES
Publisher Location
BUYUKDERE CAD 105-9, MECIDIYEKOY, SISLI, ISTANBUL 34394, Turkiye