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What is dizziness?
Dizziness is a feeling of light-headedness or your child may feel like they are going to faint.
Approximately 1 in 20 children experience dizziness between ages 3 to 17.
This means nearly 3.3 million kids will have dizziness during this stage of their lives.
In kids, dizziness is usually not caused by a serious medical issue.
What causes dizziness?
Dizziness is usually due to a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
Dizziness can happen for different reasons such as:
Standing too long in one place, as this can reduce blood flow back to the brain.
Standing up suddenly as this can make it harder to get blood flow back up to the brain.
Not drinking enough fluid, so then there is less fluid, so less blood to make it back up to the brain.
Running or working out where your child has shortness of breath, as this makes the body work harder to get enough oxygen to the brain.
Working, exercising, or playing out the in the sun, where a lot of sweat is produced, so less fluid for the body.
Not eating enough or eating unhealthy, as this can affect the body’s blood sugar level, which affects the brain.
Especially if your child has diabetes.
Illness especially with a fever, as the heat may take fluid from the body.
Having motion sickness can cause dizziness and discomfort.
Headaches can cause dizziness, especially if your child has been diagnosed with migraines.
Ear infections can be a cause of this in kids.
Vertigo is a specific dizziness that makes your child feel like either they are spinning or the room is spinning.
Other medical conditions can cause dizziness, but they are much less common in kids.
What are the symptoms of dizziness?
Your child may tell you they feel light-headed.
Your child may tell you they feel faint.
Your child may say they feel funny or may not sound like they are thinking clearly.
They may also complain that their vision looks funny or blurry.
They may say they feel nausea or like they are going to vomit.
They may say they have a headache.
You may notice your child reaching for something to hold onto so they can feel more balanced.
They may share that they feel like they are spinning or the room feels like it is spinning.
How is dizziness diagnosed?
Your child’s CPCMG healthcare provider will ask you and your child a number of questions about your child’s symptoms.
They will ask you about any medications or over-the-counter supplements your child is taking.
They will examine your child.
Your child’s CPCMG healthcare provider may want to check some labs in the office or have you take your child to the lab for additional bloodwork.
Your child’s CPCMG healthcare provider will review everything and most often, the diagnosis can be made with all of this information.
If your child’s CPCMG healthcare provider has any additional concerns, they may refer your child to a specialist.
How is dizziness prevented?
Make sure to keep your child well hydrated.
Water is a great option.
Electrolyte drinks may provide additional help with rehydration on hot or sunny days.
Help them with healthy eating and well-balanced meals with lots of fruits and veggies.
Addding salty snacks like popcorn, pretzels, celery, and salted nuts can help.
Salt is helpful for keeping water in the body.
Adding foods with more water in them like melons, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes can help.
Make sure they are not skipping meals or snack breaks if they are hungry.
Make sure your child is getting enough sleep for their age.
Encourage your child to take their time when going from lying or sitting to standing.
Encourage your child to exercise in the shade, indoors, or during cooler hours of the day.
Make sure they are taking water breaks.
If your child is seen by a specialist, make sure they are following their treatment plan.
If your child has been prescribed a medication, check in with them to make sure they are taking it.
How is dizziness treated?
If your child has been in the heat, make sure to move them to a shady spot.
Use cool compresses on their skin.
Provide your child with lots of fluids.
Water is fine, but electrolyte drinks may be helpful as well.
If your child has not eaten or is hungry, offer them a snack.
Salty snacks like celery, popcorn, pretzels, or salted nuts can be helpful.
Allow your child to rest until they feel better.
Have them lay down, as this is the most helpful position to get blood flow back up to the brain.
Your child should feel better in one to two hours.
If your child has a fever, encourage fluids, offer cool compresses and use tylenol or ibuprofen if needed for comfort.
If your child was diagnosed with an ear infection and they are taking medication, check to see if they have been taking it.
If your child has dizziness due to motion sickness, here are some helpful ideas.
If your child has dizziness due to migraines, here is some helpful advice.
If your child has a medical condition, call to have your child seen.
With treatment, the dizziness usually goes away in 1 to 2 hours.
Mild dizziness with a viral illness may last 1 or 2 days.
When to contact your CPCMG Healthcare Team:
Your child’s symptoms are getting worse or not improving.
Your child passes out or faints.
Your child is being treated and not improving.
You have any other questions or concerns.
You would like to have your child seen.
📚 References
Article written by TT DO. Reviewed by: TT, DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.
This content was adapted from Healthychildren.org, UpToDate, Cleveland Clinic, Rady Children’s Hospital, National Institute of Health