No abstract

A study was conducted to investigate vestibular dysfunction in normal preschool children with and without a history ofotitis media. Thirty-five preschoolers (age range 4 years, 2 months, to 5 years, 8 months) were assigned to an otitis media (OM) group (children with a history of6 or more episodes ofotitis media) or a no otitis media (NOM) group (children with no known episodes of otitis media), based on information obtainedfrom a parent questionnaire. The Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test (SCPNT) andfive tests from the Mtller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) (Stepping, Vertical Writing, Romberg, Walks Line, and Hand-Nose tests) were administered. Results showed that children with a history of otitis media had significantly decreased percentile rank scores on Stepping (deviation) (p<.OOl) and Vertical Wnting (p<.Ol), which measure vestibulospinal function. No significant dif ference wasfoundfor duration ofnystagmus as measuredby the SCPNT (p< .93). Clinicalimplications andsuggestions for further research are discussed. Jennifer Denning, MS, OTR, is Occupational Therapist, Austin Independent School District, Joslin PT/OT Itinerant Program,