Outcomes in children and adolescents with vestibular dysfunction
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ongoing vestibular symptoms, balance function and health-related quality of life in children and adolescents diagnosed with vestibular dysfunction.
IRAS ID
265656
Contact name
Samantha Lear
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
In humans, the vestibular organs in the inner ear enable us to control our posture, maintain balance and keep our eyes steady as our body moves. Disorders of the vestibular system can result in balance problems and dizziness.
In children, such disorders may have a major impact on a child’s development, their ability to balance and even on their reading ability. However, although it is believed that most children with vestibular disorders will eventually catch up with their development, with only a few lingering problems, such as “clumsiness”, there is actually little research evidence about how long symptoms of balance disorders persist in children, how their quality of life is affected and how different types of disorders may lead to different outcomes.
In our study, we will follow up children and young people who have been identified with vestibular disorders and find out whether they have long-term symptoms related to the vestibular system and ask questions about their quality of life. Results of the study will help healthcare professionals to advise young patients with vestibular disorders and decide which patients need specific rehabilitation to improve their recovery and function.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0584
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion