SHIMPs in pediatric vestibular diagnostics

Introduction The incidence of vestibular dysbalance and vertigo during childhood is increasing and thus the need for appropriate testing procedures to detect peripheral vestibular hypofunction. In order to ensure a reliable diagnosis and minimize misdiagnosis, a standardized clinical procedure with careful anamnesis and clinical examination is recommended. However, especially children are often unable to verbalize "vertigo" in a concrete manner and therefore often consult a pediatrician with unspecific symptoms.The so-called SHIMPs (Suppression Of The Head Impulse) represent a modification of the video head impulse test (vHIT) and are used for a more sensitive assessment of vestibular residual functions. In adults SHIMPs are already an established diagnostic method. Yet, nothing is known about the applicability and standard values in childhood so far.

Material and methods: In this prospective study we investigated whether SHIMPs enable a sensitive functional analysis of the vestibular system in healthy children of different ages. For this purpose, SHIMPs have been performed in 20 children aged 3 to 16 years. Results: In this study we demonstrated that SHIMPs are feasible in children aged 3 to 16 years and lead to results comparable to those of the conventional vHIT in childhood. When performing the test, it is crucial to explain the test in a way that is appropriate for children in order to ensure sufficient test tolerance and compliance.

Conclusion SHIMPs are a helpful supplement to clinically established vestibular tests such as the vHIT in pediatric vestibular balance diagnostics and can be integrated into the clinical routine. Similar to the vHIT, SHIMPs are characterized by a short test duration and a high tolerance.

Poster-PDF A-1078.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021