Vestibular System in Children and Cognitive Development

Have you ever observed associations between the vestibular system in children and cognitive development or behavioral outcomes?  If you are a pediatric Occupational or Physical Therapist,  you most likely have worked with children who have varying degrees of vestibular dysfunction. 

Have you ever observed associations between the vestibular system in children and cognitive development or behavioral outcomes?  If you are a pediatric Occupational or Physical Therapist,  you most likely have worked with children who have varying degrees of vestibular dysfunction.  A recent study examined closely the association between vertigo and cognitive and psychiatric conditions among a large sample of U.S. children.

Methodology of the Study 

The researchers completed a cross-sectional analysis of the 2012 National Health Interview Survey Child Balance Supplement administered to parents/caregivers of 10,823 children aged 3–17 years. 

Data analysis was performed to determine the association between vertigo and specific cognitive and psychiatric conditions. 

Results of the Study on the Vestibular System in Children

Data analysis of the information on the vestibular system in children indicated the following:

  • 1.56%  of the 10823 children in the United States nationally-representative sample had vertigo.
  • having a diagnosis vertigo resulted in significantly higher odds of:
    •  attention deficit disorder
    • learning disability
    • developmental delay
    • intellectual disability
  • having a diagnosis of vertigo resulted in higher odds of:
    • having difficulty with emotions
    • concentration
    • behavior
    • having a poor attention span.
  • the children with vertigo were more likely to utilize special education services.

Conclusion

The researchers concluded that vertigo is associated with significantly increased odds of cognitive and psychiatric conditions in U.S. children therefore supporting the hypothesis that the vestibular system in children is important for normal cognitive and psychiatric development.

Reference: Bigelow, R. T., Semenov, Y. R., Hoffman, H. J., & Agrawal, Y. (2020). Association between vertigo, cognitive and psychiatric conditions in US children: 2012 National Health Interview Survey. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 130, 109802.

Read more on the Vestibular System in Children 

Screening Tests for Vestibular Dysfunction in Children

Vestibular Exercise Program Helps Increase Balance and Agility 

10 Calming Vestibular Activities for the Classroom

Need more information on sensory strategies for the vestibular system?

The Sensory Strategies for the Classroom Bundle includes 9 digital downloads to help students to be ready to learn or participate in functional tasks.

The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook digital download is your strategy guide for turning sensory diets and sensory activities into a sensory lifestyle. - written by Occupational Therapist, Colleen Beck.

The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook (digital download) is your strategy guide for turning sensory diets and sensory activities into a sensory lifestyle.  Written by Occupational Therapist, Colleen Beck, The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook includes a 133 page PDF document filled with information on the sensory system and the whole child, sensory diets and how to create a lifestyle for sensory success.  This book is suitable for therapists, parents, teachers or anyone who wants to help children with their sensory needs.

Have you ever observed associations between the vestibular system in children and cognitive development or behavioral outcomes?  If you are a pediatric Occupational or Physical Therapist,  you most likely have worked with children who have varying degrees of vestibular dysfunction. 

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