Determination of Vestibulo-ocular Reflex Gain Normal Values in Children with Video Head Impuls Test

Abstract

Introduction:Video head impuls test (vHIT) is used in the diagnosis of vestibular dysfunction. There is no study conducted on vHIT application and its results on children in our country. Our study aimed to examine vHIT tests in children with normal hearing function and to determine normal value ranges.Methods:This study was made up of a total of 78 children under 16 years of age with normal hearing function. All children received vHIT and the values found were recorded.Results:Of the 78 children participating in the study, 44 (56.4%) were boys and 34 (43.6%) were girls. There was no significant difference in the results of vHITs between the ages of 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12 in terms of mean left lateral, right lateral, left anterior, right posterior, left posterior and right anterior values (p>0.05 for each). However, in the analysis performed by combining 4-12 age groups, there was a significant difference between the ages of 4-12 and 12 years in terms of left posterior mean values (p=0.012).Conclusion:When the findings of our study and combined reports were evaluated, it was observed that normal vestibuloocular reflex gain values should be determined in the paediatric population by the vHIT method. We consider that, paediatricians may use the findings of our study as guide for the evaluation of vestibular function in children. Extensive studies are needed to ensure that the normal value ranges reach a higher level of reliability.

Keywords

• child
• vertigo
• video head impuls test
• vhit
• vestibulo-ocular reflex