Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Balance Problems in Children

Audience: pediatric

Balance problems in children can be caused by many different issues, ranging from minor to serious. Telemedicine can help evaluate some symptoms and guide parents on what steps to take next. However, certain signs mean your child needs to be seen in person quickly. These include sudden severe dizziness, weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of consciousness. In many cases, telemedicine visits can help monitor mild balance issues, provide advice, and suggest home care. This article explains when telemedicine is appropriate for pediatric balance problems, lists red flags that require urgent in-person care, and offers guidance on preparing for and following up after a telemedicine visit. Understanding these points can help keep your child safe and ensure timely medical attention when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden inability to stand or walk without support — seek emergency care immediately.
• Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body — urgent in-person evaluation needed.
• Difficulty speaking, swallowing, facial drooping, or loss of consciousness — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild balance problems without severe symptoms.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation or tests are needed.
• Answering questions about medications and general health related to balance issues.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency symptoms such as sudden weakness, loss of consciousness, or severe dizziness.
• Performing detailed neurological or physical examinations requiring specialized equipment.
• Administering urgent treatments or interventions.
• Diagnosing complex neurological conditions without in-person assessment.

Understanding Balance Problems in Children

Balance problems in children may cause unsteadiness, dizziness, or difficulty walking. Causes can include ear infections, dehydration, medication side effects, or more serious neurological conditions. Sometimes, balance issues come with other symptoms like headache, fever, or vomiting. Identifying the cause is important to decide the right care.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to ask questions, observe your child's movements, and assess symptoms remotely. It is useful for mild balance problems without other concerning signs. Providers can guide home care, recommend tests if needed, and decide if an in-person visit is necessary. Telemedicine is convenient and reduces exposure to infections.

Red Flags That Need Immediate In-Person Care

Certain symptoms require urgent evaluation in person or emergency care:

If any of these occur, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a telemedicine visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully. This may include:

Keep emergency numbers handy in case your child's condition changes suddenly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List all symptoms your child is experiencing and note when they started.
• Gather information on recent injuries, illnesses, or medication changes.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a family member available to assist during the visit if possible.
• Prepare to demonstrate your child's balance or movements as requested.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice and prescribed treatments.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep emergency contact numbers accessible.
• Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's balance problems?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide initial care but may not provide a definitive diagnosis, especially for complex or severe issues. An in-person evaluation is often needed for detailed examination and tests.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for balance problems?

If your child suddenly cannot stand, has weakness on one side, difficulty speaking or swallowing, loss of consciousness, or a severe headache with fever, seek emergency care immediately.

What can I do at home to help my child with mild balance problems?

Ensure your child rests, stays hydrated, and avoids activities that could cause falls. Follow any advice from your healthcare provider and monitor symptoms closely.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for my child's balance issues during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe way to get medical advice without exposing your child to potential infections. It can help determine if an in-person visit is necessary.

What information should I provide during a telemedicine visit about my child's balance problems?

Share details about symptom onset, severity, any recent injuries or illnesses, medications your child is taking, and any other symptoms like fever, headache, or vomiting.

Sources

1. Balance Problems in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Dizziness and Balance Disorders in Children — Mayo Clinic.
3. Pediatric Neurological Examination — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. When to Seek Emergency Care for Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has serious or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.