Proficiency in the Care of a Child with Vestibular Dysfunction

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. Cite this article as: Saniasiaya J, Kulasegarah J, Narayanan P, Salim R. Proficiency in the care of a child with vestibular dysfunction. B-ENT. 2023;19(2):111-117.