Identifying causes of balance impairment and exploring sensory contributions to balance in pediatric oncology: A scoping review.

Abstract

<h4>Purpose</h4>To identify causes of balance impairment in children undergoing treatment for cancer and childhood cancer survivors.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if participants were 0-19 years of age with a current/past diagnosis of cancer, an objective balance measure was reported, and a cause of balance impairment was either stated or implied.<h4>Results</h4>The 64 full text studies included identified balance impairments as sequelae secondary to CNS tumors, and/or as an effect of medical treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. Cancer treatment can result in damage to the visual, vestibular and/or somatosensory systems which in turn can contribute to balance dysfunction.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Balance impairments were caused by the cancer itself or the result of medical treatment. Oncology professionals are integral in recognition and treatment of factors affecting balance impairments in childhood cancer; however, further research is needed to identify interventions targeting specific causes of balance impairment.