
Is the child feeling dizzy? Is it dangerous?
How to understand if a child is experiencing dizziness? An older child may simply say, “I feel dizzy,” or describe their sensations:
- Spinning or swaying
- Darkening of vision with nausea
- “Everything is like in a dream”
But sometimes it’s difficult for a child, especially a very young one, to explain what’s happening to them. Clearer signs will be the child’s actions rather than words: - Trying to lie down
- Losing balance
- Crying, getting scared
Additionally, external manifestations of dizziness may be present, such as paleness of the skin.
If you notice these signs, or if the child directly says they feel dizzy, pay attention to their eyes: are there rhythmic eye movements. If possible, record the episode on video to show the doctor.
When should you be alarmed?
- Dizziness is accompanied by hearing impairment
- There is a balance disorder
- The child loses consciousness
In such cases, it is urgent to consult a doctor!
Which doctor to consult?
- The first doctor should be a pediatrician. Moreover, one who collects a good medical history, that is, knows how to obtain information from parents about what is happening with the child. Yes, this is a separate skill possessed by pediatricians of Fantasy, by the way. This will determine whether parents waste time going to specialists or immediately receive correct appointments.
Various conditions may be hidden under the “mask” of dizziness. The pediatrician’s task is to refer the patient to related specialists to exclude such diseases as: - Epilepsy. Its seizures can feel like dizziness
- Brain tumors. They often show movement disorders
- Anemia and other blood diseases, when dizziness may hide weakness attacks
- Problems with the cardiovascular system: from episodes of blood pressure decrease to life-threatening arrhythmias
Dizziness may have other causes:
- Vestibular disorders
- Functional lability of the autonomic nervous system
- Psychosomatic reactions
Lately, children often complain of dizziness after viral infections. This is usually associated with the body’s reaction to intoxication. This does not require treatment and resolves on its own within a week.
The main thing is not to ignore changes in the child’s behavior and complaints of dizziness and to consult a doctor in time.