Two Cases of Psychogenic Vertigo in Childhood

Abstract

Two children with psychogenic vertigo are reported. The first case was a seven year-old boy who complained of a recurrent vertigenous attack since the age of two. Physical examination revealed no abnormality except in Romberg and Mann tests. Consultation with his parents disclosed that his complaint of vertigo was an expression of his dissatisfaction by simply misunderstanding the meaning of “vertigo”. The second case was an eleven year-old boy who complained of disequilibrium, double vision and visual disturbance after he had hit his head on the ground during a Sumo tournament. Physical examination revealed no abnormality except in Romberg and Mann tests and concentric contraction of visual field. Consultation with his family revealed, that the boy felt isolated, believing that his parents loved only his younger brother and sister. Both two children recovered, once the causes of the troubles were pointed out.