Aims of the project

The broad aim of this study is to look the prevalence and predictors of balance problems and dizziness in children at age 7 and age 10.

The specific aims are:

1. To determine the prevalence of poor balance function and dizziness in 10 year old children
2. To examine any associations between balance function at age 7 and balance function and dizziness at age 10.
3. To describe the nature of symptoms of dizziness and imbalance, determining diagnoses where possible
4. To explore some of the early predictors of poor balance function and dizziness in 10 year old children, specifically:
1. To examine the associations with maternal factors

Factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, illness and taking medication during pregnancy will be examined

2. To examine the association between childhood anxiety and balance dysfunction

Anxiety disordered children have been shown to have excessive sensitivity to balance-challenging situations and it has been suggested that there may be a sub-clinical balance disorder in childhood anxiety (Erez et al, 2004)

3. To examine the association between weight gain during childhood and balance

Balance in adulthood has been found to be associated with weight during childhood (Kuh et al, 2006).

4. To examine the association with educational difficulties

Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder and learning disabilities have been linked to cerebellar-vestibular dysfunction (Levinson, 1990); anti-motion sickness medications (Levinson, 1991) and vestibular exercises (Reynolds et al, 2003) have even been suggested as possible treatments.

A systematic review of evidence around these research questions will be incorporated.