Vestibular and Postural Function in Children Suspected of Balance Disorders

The goal of this prospective cohort study is to investigate the vestibular function in children suspected of balance disorders, and to follow up on their balance progressions after rehabilitation. The main hypothesis of the study is that delayed gross motor development and symptoms of dizziness and balance problems in some children are caused by vestibular dysfunction. The investigators expect that early detection and rehabilitation by a physiotherapist will improve the balance ability for the child. The participants will be children in the age of 6 months to 10 years with delayed gross motor development and/or with dizziness/balance problems. The test protocol consists of questionnaires, hearing screening and vestibular and postural assessments.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children in the age of 6 months to 10 years * Delayed gross motor development and/or dizziness/balance problems. * Written informed consent from the parents. Exclusion Criteria: * Visual impairment to such a degree that the child is not able to maintain fixation on a dot one meter away. * Congenital nystagmus * Compromised eye muscle mobility * VEMP-electrode allergy * History of symptomatic head or neck trauma * Prescription of medicine which alters vestibular outputs (for instance sedative antihistamines)