Dizziness in Children in Honolulu, HI

Vertigo and dizziness are not commonly associated with children; however, it is more prevalent than most think. According to the NIH, over 1 in 20 children in the United States have experienced balance issues or dizziness. (1) When these symptoms present in children, it is essential to determine their cause.

Causes of Dizziness in Children

A few sources of childhood dizziness include (2) –

• Ear infections
• Injuries to the head or neck
• Concussions
• Neurological issues
• Ear malformation

Only 1/3 of parents stated that their children received a diagnosis for their dizziness. It is essential to uncover the root cause of these episodes in order to prevent their recurrence.

How is my child’s neck related to his or her dizziness?

Your spine is designed to protect your spinal cord. Your spinal cord carries signals to and from your brain. When the top bone in your neck (atlas) is misaligned, this can create pressure within your spinal cord at the base of your neck. This can affect signals going to and from your brainstem, potentially leading to vertigo symptoms.

I am trained in NUCCA, a specific chiropractic procedure that detects and corrects atlas misalignments. NUCCA is a very gentle technique that does not require any popping or twisting of the neck. Through specific realignment of the atlas, pressure within the spinal cord is reduced. The brainstem is able to send and receive messages without distortion. This may lead to a reduction of vertigo symptoms.

Elster conducted an analysis of 60 patients with chronic vertigo that received specific atlas corrections. 48 out of the 60 patients received complete resolution of vertigo symptoms. All of the cases received some reduction of vertigo severity and/or frequency over the course of one to six months of atlas care. (2)

References

1. More Than 1 in 20 U.S. Children Have Dizziness and Balance Problems. NIH News Release. National Institutes of Health Web Site. Published January 27, 2016. Accessed February 29, 2016. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/more-1-20-us-children-have-dizziness-balance-problems
2. Ciccone A. Vertigo, Balance Problems More Common in Girls [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][Internet]. 2016 [cited 29 February 2016]. Available from: https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/pediatric-neurology/vertigo-dizziness-balance-problems-common-in-us-children/article/467834/
3. Elster E. Sixty Patients With Chronic Vertigo Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis. J Vert Sub Res [Internet]. 2006 [cited 29 February 2016];2006(Nov):1-9. Available from: https://vertebralsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2006_1174_Vertigo.aspx

About the Author

Dr. Joe Breuwet

Upper Cervical Hawaii, LLC

Dr. Breuwet is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic and has studied and practiced the National Upper Cervical Care Association (NUCCA) technique for the past 17 years. After spending 10 years in the hotel industry as a General Manager, I decided to follow my passion and enter into the natural health care field. During my first few months at Palmer College, I quickly came to the realization that there are many different types of Chiropractic. I decided to learn and practice the most precise and specific form of Chiropractic, NUCCA.