Table of Contents
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.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo download our complimentary e-book How to Naturally Relieve Vertigo without Drugs by clicking the image below.
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
- 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
- Ciccone A. Vertigo, Balance Problems More Common in Girls [Internet]. 2016 [cited 29 February 2016]. Available from: https://www.neurologyadvisor.com/pediatric-neurology/vertigo-dizziness-balance-problems-common-in-us-children/article/467834/
- 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
To schedule a consultation call 808-201-1324 or simply click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
