Purpose: Dizziness frequently coexists with headache in children and adolescents, but its diagnostic significance is often underrecognized. Orthostatic intolerance (OI) and otologic diseases are major causes of pediatric dizziness, yet distinguishing among these conditions remains clinically challenging. This study examined the diagnostic distribution of OI and otologic diseases in pediatric patients with primary headache-associated dizziness.
Methods We retrospectively reviewed 310 patients aged 7–18 years who presented with both headache and dizziness; patients with secondary headache disorders were excluded. OI was assessed using head-up tilt testing and was classified primarily as orthostatic hypotension (OH) or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Otologic diseases, mainly peripheral vestibular disorders, were identified by otolaryngologists. Statistical analyses included the chi-squared test and one-way analysis of variance.
Results The most common headache subtypes were migraine without aura (42.9%), vestibular migraine (15.8%), and tension- type headache (15.2%). OI was identified in 63.9% of patients, including OH in 40.6% and POTS in 23.2%; otologic diseases were present in 20.0%. The distributions of OI and otologic diseases did not differ significantly by headache subtype. OI was significantly associated with age and sex, with the POTS group having the highest mean age and a marked female predominance. Age also differed significantly across otologic disease subtypes.
Conclusion In pediatric patients with headache and dizziness, OI and otologic diseases were common but were not associated with headache subtype. Instead, diagnostic patterns were more closely related to age and sex, suggesting that developmental and demographic factors should be considered when evaluating headache-associated dizziness in this population.
Vestibular migraine (VM) remains a clinical challenge due to its heterogeneous presentation and the frequent absence of typical migraine features during vestibular episodes. Although many studies have adopted the diagnostic criteria defined by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), interpretation of findings is often complicated by variability in how these criteria are applied across studies. VM is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, owing to its clinical overlap with other vestibular disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategies for VM. Particular emphasis is placed on distinguishing VM from other causes of vertigo to support accurate diagnosis and tailored management. By synthesizing current evidence, this review aims to improve clinical recognition, diagnostic precision, and therapeutic outcomes for patients with this under-recognized and often debilitating condition.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential in Vestibular Migraine: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Utility Mayur Bhat, Krithi Rao, Sinchana Hegde, Kaushlendra Kumar, Aditya Khandagale, KM Prajwal, Shezeen Abdul Gafoor Audiology Research.2026; 16(1): 11. CrossRef
Toward Precision Migraine Care: Genetics, Symptoms, and Big-Data-Driven Approaches Soo-Jin Cho Headache and Pain Research.2025; 26(3): 171. CrossRef