Dizziness in children and teens can be concerning, but it can have various causes. Treating the underlying cause is important.
Common Causes of Dizziness in Children and Teens:
- Inner Ear Problems: The inner ear plays a crucial role in balance. Inner ear infections, benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPVC), and other inner ear disorders can cause dizziness.
- ​Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake, especially during physical activity or in hot weather, can lead to dehydration, resulting in dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Low Blood Sugar: Children and teens who skip meals or have irregular eating habits may experience episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
- Anemia: A low number of red blood cells or iron deficiency can reduce oxygen delivery to the brain, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, irritability and pale skin. Learn more about anemia .
- Motion Sickness: Some children and teens are more susceptible to motion sickness, which can occur during car rides, boat trips, or amusement park rides, leading to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Learn more about Motion Sickness from Dr. Stuppy's blog .
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, known as orthostatic hypotension, can cause dizziness, especially in adolescents experiencing rapid growth spurts or in anyone who is dehydrated.
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): POTS is a form of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. It is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs upon standing or sitting up, accompanied by symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations (heart racing, pounding, or fluttering). Learn more about POTS here.
- Migraines: Migraine headaches can sometimes present with symptoms of dizziness or vertigo, especially in children and teens who experience vestibular migraines.
- Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress, anxiety, and panic attacks can manifest with symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, and a feeling of being off-balance.
- Medications: Certain medications, including antibiotics, antihistamines, and medications that affect blood pressure or heart rate, can have side effects that include dizziness.
Management and Treatment:
The treatment of dizziness in children and teens depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, simple measures such as hydration, rest, balanced nutrition, and stress reduction techniques can help alleviate symptoms. However, if dizziness persists or worsens, or if there are other concerning symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.
Dizziness e-book
Dr. Stuppy wrote an e-book on dizziness as part of a promotional series and is allowing all patients access. Sign up for it here: Dizziness in teens
When to Seek Medical Attention:
While dizziness in children and teens is often temporary and harmless, there are situations where medical evaluation is warranted:
- Severe or Prolonged Symptoms: If your child experiences severe or prolonged dizziness, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or difficulty walking.
- Frequent Episodes: If your child experiences frequent episodes of dizziness or if the dizziness interferes with daily activities or quality of life.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: If your child has underlying medical conditions such as migraines, inner ear disorders, or heart conditions that may be contributing to the dizziness and the treatments are not working.
