By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 05, 2026
Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo in Children
When a child complains of feeling dizzy or says "the room is spinning," it can be alarming for any parent. While dizziness is common in adults, many families are surprised to learn that children experience it too — sometimes quite frequently. As a pediatric neurologist serving families across the Phoenix metro area, Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion evaluates children with dizziness and balance problems regularly. The good news is that most causes are manageable, and identifying the right diagnosis early makes a significant difference in your child's quality of life.
Dizziness vs. Vertigo: What's the Difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different sensations. Dizziness is a broad term that can mean lightheadedness, a floating feeling, or a sense of being unsteady. Vertigo, on the other hand, refers specifically to the illusion of movement — the feeling that either your child or their surroundings are spinning, even when perfectly still.
Young children may struggle to describe what they're feeling. They might simply refuse to walk, cling to furniture for balance, appear unusually clumsy, or complain of an upset stomach. Older children and teenagers are usually better able to articulate the spinning or "off" sensation. Understanding the difference helps guide the evaluation, which is why a thorough history is such an important part of any visit to a pediatric neurology specialist.
Common Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo in Children
Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo of Childhood
This is one of the most common causes of episodic vertigo in young children, typically between ages two and five. Episodes are brief — lasting seconds to a few minutes — and the child appears frightened but returns to normal quickly. Importantly, benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood is considered a migraine variant. Children with this condition often go on to develop more classic pediatric headaches or migraines as they get older. A family history of migraines is frequently present.
Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular migraine is increasingly recognized in school-age children and adolescents. Episodes may include vertigo, motion sensitivity, and balance disturbances — sometimes without a headache at all. Because the headache component isn't always prominent, this condition is often underdiagnosed. Dr. Zach carefully evaluates for vestibular migraine in children presenting with recurring dizziness, particularly when there is a personal or family history of migraines.
Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome
Dizziness is one of the hallmark symptoms following a head injury. Arizona's active sports culture — from youth soccer leagues in Scottsdale to high school football programs across the Valley — means that sports-related concussions are a common concern. Persistent dizziness or balance problems after a head injury warrants prompt evaluation. Learn more about how we approach pediatric concussion care at our practice.
Dehydration and Heat-Related Illness
Living in Phoenix means children are exposed to extreme heat for much of the year. Dehydration is a very real and often overlooked cause of lightheadedness and dizziness in Arizona kids. During summer months, when temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, children playing outdoors or participating in sports can become dehydrated quickly. If your child's dizziness seems to happen most often in the heat or after outdoor activity, dehydration should be considered before more complex neurological causes are explored.
Inner Ear Conditions
Infections or inflammation of the inner ear — including labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis — can cause acute, intense vertigo in children. These conditions are typically triggered by a viral illness. They can be frightening in their severity but often resolve on their own. Rarely, structural abnormalities of the inner ear may be responsible and require further imaging.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Some children and teenagers, particularly those in growth spurts, experience a temporary drop in blood pressure when they stand up quickly. This causes a brief wave of lightheadedness or dizziness that usually passes within seconds. While often benign, recurrent episodes should be evaluated to rule out underlying causes.
Neurological Causes
Less commonly, dizziness in children may be related to neurological conditions involving the brain's cerebellum or brainstem. In some cases, dizziness may occur as part of a seizure — particularly in certain seizure types. If there is any concern about a seizure disorder, Dr. Zach may recommend a pediatric EEG to assess the brain's electrical activity. It's worth noting that dizziness alone is rarely the primary presentation of pediatric seizures, but a comprehensive evaluation helps rule this out.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While most dizziness in children is benign, certain warning signs call for prompt medical attention. Contact a healthcare provider right away if your child experiences:
- Sudden, severe vertigo that comes on without warning
- Dizziness accompanied by severe headache, fever, or stiff neck
- Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
- Significant difficulty walking or loss of coordination
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Double vision or slurred speech alongside dizziness
- Episodes that are increasing in frequency or severity over time
These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires immediate evaluation.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Neurology Visit
When you bring your child to Rose Medical Pavilion for a dizziness evaluation, Dr. Tamara Zach MD will take a detailed history of the episodes, review your child's overall health and development, and perform a thorough neurological examination. Depending on the findings, additional testing such as an EEG, MRI, or referral to an audiologist may be recommended. The goal is always to find the most accurate diagnosis and develop a management plan that fits your child's specific needs.
For families navigating Arizona's healthcare system, it's helpful to know that evaluations at our practice are accessible to children covered under AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program), and we work with families to coordinate care efficiently.
Schedule an Evaluation at Rose Medical Pavilion
You don't have to guess what's causing your child's dizziness or balance problems. If your child in the Phoenix area is experiencing recurring episodes of dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness, our team is here to help. Learn more about Dr. Tamara Zach MD and the specialized pediatric neurology care available at Rose Medical Pavilion, then reach out to schedule your child's appointment today.
Schedule an Appointment
Questions about your child's neurological health? Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule online.