601 N. Caroline St, Baltimore, MD 21287
Phone: 410-955-5000
Specialized Vestibular Clinic For Children
The Johns Hopkins Pediatric Vestibular Clinic provides a comprehensive assessment of your child's vestibular symptoms in one visit. During your first appointment, you and your child will meet with the pediatric specialists in otolaryngology, physical therapy and audiology. Following your child's assessment and review, you and your child will receive a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan.
Learn more about:
Why Choose Johns Hopkins for Pediatric Vestibular Care
Comprehensive Care
We offer each child a thorough evaluation that includes looking at medical, surgical and behavioral treatments to help improve your child’s quality of life.
History and Leadership
Johns Hopkins has been at the forefront of research and treatment of pediatric vestibular disorders for over a century.
Highly-Trained Specialists
When you choose the physicians at Johns Hopkins, you benefit from fellowship-trained specialists with vast experience treating vestibular disorders.
Meet Our Team
Children experiencing balance problems or dizziness are seen by a pediatric otolaryngologist, an audiologist for hearing and balance function testing, and a pediatric vestibular physical therapist for evaluation and treatment.
Carolyn Jenks, M.D.
Associate Residency Program Co-Director Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Megan Drews, PT, DPT, PCS.
What To Expect at Your First Pediatric Vestibular Appointment
Your child will have multiple appointments: otolaryngology, audiology for hearing and balance function testing, and physical therapy. Your child may have some or all of these tests to evaluate the vestibular system. You will receive final recommendations by phone after the visits are complete (this enables provider discussion).
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During VEMP testing, your child will wear electrodes on the neck and/or under the eyes and will lie on a table with eyes or neck lifted while listening to loud clicking sounds. This test can be completed in children > 6 months.
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During vHIT, your child will wear tight-fitting goggles. We will measure eye movements with video cameras in these goggles. Your child will watch a dot on the wall and we will move their head back and forth. This test can be completed in children > 3 years.
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Caloric testing consists of gently running water into each ear canal. The water goes into the ear canal and comes right back out. It does not stay in the ears. During this test, your child may experience a sensation of dizziness that lasts a short time. This test can be completed in children > 7 years.
Please Note the Following Test Restrictions:
- Report to the outpatient center 6th floor otolaryngology for all appointments (do not follow automated instructions if they instruct you to go to a different floor).
- No sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping medications, antihistamines, or medications for dizziness (i.e. meclizine), nausea or motion sickness for 48 hours before testing.
- Eat lightly before the test as some tests may cause brief nausea in a few patients. Bring light snacks in case your child is hungry between appointments.
- Do not use eye makeup.
The Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., Outpatient Center
