ICU - "I See You" - Vestibular Conversations

In this episode of the ICU podcast, we’re exploring CANVAS—short for cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome—a rare, progressive neurological condition that disrupts the very systems our bodies rely on to stay balanced and oriented. CANVAS affects the cerebellum, sensory nerves, and inner ear balance system all at once, creating a “triple hit” that can lead to unsteadiness, dizziness, vision changes with head movement, and worsening coordination over time. Although researchers have only recently begun to understand its genetic cause, much remains unknown about how it develops and how best to manage it. Today, we’re joined by Celeste Suart, Patient Engagement Director at the National Ataxia Foundation, and Denise Luken, who is living with CANVAS, to share both the clinical perspective and the lived experience of navigating this complex and often misunderstood condition.Guest biosCeleste Suart, PhD, is the Patient Engagement Director for the National Ataxia Foundation. She earned her PhD in biochemistry at McMaster University, where her research focused on Ataxia, science communication, and adult education. Celeste leads the development of various patient-facing research communications, educational materials, and informational webinars. She also acts as a liaison between NAF, researchers, clinicians, industry professionals, and the ataxia community. Celeste strongly believes in the empowering nature of education. She is committed to supporting the agency of Ataxians and their families through access to research information and opportunities.   Denise lives in North Carolina with her husband of nearly 25 years, Bill, and their two dogs. After an active life that included raising two children, working in IT, and enjoying sports like tennis and skiing, she began experiencing balance issues, falls, and coughing in her early 50s. Following years of testing, she was first diagnosed with idiopathic ataxia, and later with RFC1-related CANVAS. Now in her mid-60s, Denise stays active with regular exercise and physical therapy, using a cane or rollator for support.

In today’s episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore the fascinating connection between gut health and vestibular disorders—and why taking care of your digestive system might be an overlooked piece of your wellness puzzle. What happens in your gut doesn’t always stay in your gut: when the lining of the intestine becomes compromised, it can lead to systemic inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and an imbalanced microbiome—all of which may influence vestibular symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. The gut is also a major producer of neurotransmitters that affect mood and nervous system balance, and imbalances there could potentially affect how your brain processes vestibular signals. Today, we’ll break down what gut health really means, how it intersects with vestibular function, and practical takeaways you can consider as part of your overall health strategy.Guest BiosLeigha Kingsley is an actress, writer, producer, and director. Her acting credits include films starring Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson, and TV shows like Criminal Minds. She is a champion for female-driven stories, and her scripts have been finalists for Sundance, HBO Project Greenlight, and the New York Television Festival. Leaha has been experiencing Vestibular Migraines for the past year. She is still new to this journey, but one thing she has noticed is that the foods she consumes have a direct correlation with how well her brain and vestibular system operate. Carla Alpert, FDN-P, NBC-HWC, FMCHC, is a trauma-informed Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Functional Medicine Practitioner. She focuses on gut health and how it affects overall health because, unlike Las Vegas, what happens in the gut doesn’t always stay in the gut. Symptoms become the way your body tells you there’s an imbalance. Many times, problems that seem unrelated to gastrointestinal health, such as brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and even skin issues, can stem from an imbalance in the microbiome. Carla supports her clients in uncovering the root cause(s) of digestive problems and other chronic symptoms, restoring overall health and well-being. Her mission as a coach is to help her clients explore and discover solutions to live a life with renewed vitality, radiant health, authenticity, and purpose—without the overwhelm. Learn more about Carla here.

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore how humor and gratitude can become powerful tools for coping with chronic vestibular disorders. Living with dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance can often feel isolating and overwhelming—but laughter and thankfulness can help restore balance to both body and mind. Research shows that humor can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, boost immune function, and even trigger endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers. Similarly, practicing gratitude has been linked to better sleep, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being. Our guests—a vestibular patient who’s found resilience through laughter, and health coach Hilary Russo, creator of the “HIListic” approach to mindful self-compassion—share how humor and gratitude have transformed their healing journeys and offer practical ways to bring more lightness and appreciation into everyday life.Guest BiosMary Ziegler was once reliable, hard-working, and a dedicated wife and mother. But when Meniere's disease and vestibular migraine hit, she had to leave her job and stop driving. One of the things Mary misses the most is helping other people. She misses parties with friends and family. But she has devised ways to dwell in joy and gratitude. She likes being a VeDA Ambassador because it allows her to help people in Chicago, where she lives, and all over the world. She is grateful for her family and friends, and for the doctors who recognize her as an expert in her condition.Hilary Russo is a certified trauma-informed holistic mental health practitioner and health coach, one of only 50 certified Havening Techniques® Trainers globally, and one of the first 100 Certified Havening Practitioners in the United States. Due to her work in Havening and trauma-informed care, Hilary is a recommended referral partner with the nationally recognized Amen Clinics for brain health. Her extensive background in media and military life gives her a unique perspective on working with secondary trauma, chronic stress, and burnout.  She is the host of the globally top-rated podcast HIListically Speaking® and creator of the HUG it Out® Method, which reminds you to access self-healing through Humor, Understanding, and Gratitude and be a Pioneer Practitioner™of your own life. Connect with Hilary at hilaryrusso.com, on social @hilaryrusso, or on her Substack, The Brain Candy Blueprint. 

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore the powerful relationship between the mind and body—and how that connection can be both disrupted and harnessed in life with a vestibular disorder. From the ways stress and anxiety can amplify dizziness to the grounding effects of mindfulness, movement, and self-compassion, we’ll discuss the science and lived experience behind mind-body healing. Through personal stories and expert insights, listeners will discover how cultivating awareness, patience, and inner balance can help restore a sense of control and resilience on the path toward recovery.Guest BiosSandy Brunner describes herself as an awesome stay-at-home mom and an okay housewife. Pre-kid, she was a speech-language pathologist and blogger for Life Without Land Legs. Sandy started her vestibular journey with Mal de Debarquement Syndrome, or MdDS, on a trip to Europe in 2018, adding vestibular migraine, PPPD, and cervicogenic dizziness to her vestibular bingo card along the way. She was in VeDA’s first season of the Life Rebalanced Chronicles docuseries. When she’s not doing mom stuff or at the gym, she is planning parties, going on random adventures, organizing something, reading, or doing crafts. Donna McArthur, DC has been a chiropractor for thirty years, sharing a wellness-based practice with her husband in the mountains of British Columbia. She provides patient-centered care aimed at restoring function to the neuro-musculoskeletal system, utilizing evidence-based therapies and drawing on her deep knowledge of biomechanical, neurological, and fascial approaches. Her work is grounded in a heart-centered, integrated philosophy of healing.Donna is passionate about offering people tools and choices that empower their own wellness—something she brings to her clinical practice, writing, and teaching. With a focus on general family practice, she has extensive training and experience supporting both pediatric and geriatric patients. You can follow Donna on Substack.

Welcome to this episode of the ICU Podcast, where we shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked world of vestibular migraine, a condition that affects more than half of all migraine sufferers at some point yet remains frequently misdiagnosed. Vestibular migraine can cause not only headaches but also vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and sensory sensitivities—making it a formidable challenge for both patients and clinicians. Today, we’re joined by two remarkable guests: a dedicated volunteer with the World Migraine Summit (taking place March 11 – 18) who brings lived experience and advocacy insight, and Dr. Brian Ward, a neurotologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Together, we’ll explore how lifestyle management, medication, and other targeted therapies can help restore balance and hope to those navigating vestibular migraine.Guest BiosDr. Bryan Ward is a Neurotologist with Johns Hopkins University who specializes in treating inner ear and skull base disorders that cause dizziness, such as superior canal dehiscence syndrome, Meniere’s disease, and bilateral vestibulopathy. His research interests focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and interactions between strong magnetic fields and the inner ear. He also works with Dr. Charles Della Santina on the development of a vestibular implant.Natanya Mandel is a migraine coach, mindfulness facilitator, and passionate patient-advocate whose own journey with frequent migraine attacks and disruptive neurological symptoms inspired her to shift her career and support others living with migraine and chronic pain. Natanya has volunteered with groups like Migraine Canada and the Migraine World Summit, facilitates virtual support groups, and helps people navigate the challenges of chronic migraine with compassion and evidence-informed guidance.Migraine World SummitNatanya’s coaching

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore how yoga can be a powerful, complementary tool for improving balance in people with vestibular disorders. Vestibular conditions disrupt the delicate interplay between the inner ear, vision, and somatosensory systems, often leading to dizziness, instability, and compensatory stiffness. Yoga offers a gentle, embodied pathway to re-train balance by engaging controlled movement, focused breathing, and meditative awareness — all of which can help patients recalibrate their vestibular reflexes, reduce dizziness episodes, and restore coordination and confidence in movement.Speaker BiosEmma Rodgers is a certified yoga teacher, originally from the UK and now based in Melbourne, Australia. Emma's journey began after finding yoga and meditation incredibly beneficial for managing her own symptoms of Vestibular Migraine and PPPD, which led her to train as a teacher. She uses her personal experience to inform her teaching style, making it more accessible through safe, gentle practices.Denise Schneider is a physical therapist who has been practicing in outpatient orthopedics clinics for 23 years. During this time, she has furthered her education to receive a doctorate in physical therapy, a fellowship degree in differential diagnosis and manual therapy, a certificate in vestibular rehabilitation, and a certification in dry needling. She received her 200-hour yoga training certification in 2023. Since then, she has taught various classes and also utilizes this knowledge in her physical therapy practice. Denise is dedicated to providing the utmost patient experience by incorporating evidence-based practice and individualized care to include all aspects of one’s health and well-being. She is a proud ambassador of and contributor to VeDA.ResourcesYoga for Balance article on the VeDA website.

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we’re diving into the concept of pacing—a vital self-management strategy for people living with vestibular disorders. When dizziness, vertigo, brain fog, and fatigue are part of your daily reality, even routine activities can become overwhelming. We’ll explore how pacing helps individuals with vestibular dysfunction conserve energy, manage sensory overload, and create a more predictable rhythm in an often unpredictable life. Pacing isn’t about giving up—it’s about planning ahead, listening to your body, and protecting your vestibular system from being overstimulated. We’re joined by a patient who has learned to pace their days to avoid symptom flare-ups, and a healthcare professional who supports patients in integrating pacing into their treatment and rehabilitation plans.Guests:Tracey Franklin had just started a new job while recovering from a viral flu when she began experiencing fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog. A few months later, she went on sick leave, followed by disability. In 2018, she retired medically from her 30-year career as a publishing professional. Over the next six months, Tracey saw multiple doctors and underwent various tests and was diagnosed with Vestibular Migraine and Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). Along with ongoing VeDA support groups, vestibular rehab, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medical treatments, she manages these invisible disorders by getting adequate rest and pacing her commitments and activities. She hopes to build a bridge between the vestibular and medical communities, so others are diagnosed sooner. Tracey loves ice cream, writing, the beach, and snow. She lives with her husband of 21 years and their cat. She believes it’s her faith in God that continues to bless her with managing her conditions and having fewer symptomatic days.Steph Fowler is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCPC, CADC). She is also a chronically ill, disabled, and neurodivergent therapist, writer, consultant, and coach who has lived with Long COVID since early 2020. After her health, work, and life were dramatically changed by this condition, she shifted her business and rebranded as Misfit Mental Health. She now focuses on supporting people in the chronic illness, disability, and COVID Conscious communities - as well as their loved ones and care providers. Earlier this year, Steph was featured in TIME Magazine, sharing her personal and professional insights on navigating healthcare and medical gaslighting. When she's not depathologizing non-conformity, she enjoys taking care of her houseplants, building LEGOs, spending time with her partner and their cat Ziggy, and all things macabre. Check out Steph's pacing workshop and other resources here: https://linktr.ee/misfit.mental.health.

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we’ll discuss how the brain interacts with the body and the specialized type of healthcare provider who studies this interaction. Chiropractic neurology, also known as functional neurology, is a specialty that branches from the traditional chiropractic methods. You might think of a conventional chiropractor as someone who performs manual adjustments on the neck and spine. Chiropractic neurologists aim to optimize neurological functions by leveraging the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt. Chiropractic neurology offers a holistic approach for assessment and therapeutic interventions that may benefit patients with vestibular symptoms. By examining how brain function interacts with other bodily systems, chiropractic neurology can begin to unravel complex health conditions.

In today’s ICU episode, we’re exploring an important and often overlooked topic: how menopause can impact people living with a vestibular disorder. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the inner ear and brain function, often intensifying symptoms like dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, and migraines. For those already managing a vestibular condition, this transition can bring new challenges — but also new opportunities for understanding and support. In this episode, we’ll dive into the connections between hormonal shifts and vestibular health and offer insights on how to navigate this complex time with greater resilience and hope.Speakers:Lara Bishop: Lara is a mother of twins who was diagnosed with vestibular migraines in 2012, vestibular neuritis in 2013, and PPPD in 2018 — all of which have been profoundly life-changing. Coping with invisible illnesses has been a challenging journey, often difficult for her family and friends to understand fully. In addition to her vestibular disorders, Lara also lives with Anxiety, panic Disorder, depression, as well as some other chronic conditions. Over the years, she has made significant lifestyle changes to help manage her conditions, including participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), adopting a regular routine of daily exercise such as biking and weight training, and making critical dietary adjustments.Lara is passionate about raising awareness of debilitating vestibular conditions, supporting fellow sufferers, and educating both the general public and medical professionals. Despite the many challenges she faces, she maintains a positive outlook on life and is determined to share her optimism and motivation with others.See Lara’s presentation to the British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians on Vestibular Migraine in women - The Hormone Connection here: https://youtu.be/cVsVhtISFB8?si=VSUm2AB4NnIrOATg.Heather Bartos: Dr. Heather Bartos is an OB/GYN, menopause specialist, author, and speaker, recognized as one of the nation’s top five experts in menopause by Oprah Winfrey and Maria Shriver. Her mission is to dismantle the taboos surrounding menopause and sexuality, empowering women through transformative midlife transitions.  Her latest book, Quickies: 100 Little Lessons to Living Sexily Ever After in Midlife, is out to rave reviews. Her diverse background, spanning PR, medicine, and Reiki practitioner, as well as her service in the Navy, underscores her holistic and personalized approach to healthcare. Featured in Shape, Glamour, Refinery29, ABC News, and more, her insights are pivotal in changing the narrative around midlife and menopause. Cosmo magazine celebrates her as a ‘supremely badass gyno,’ highlighting her significant impact on women’s health advocacy.Learn more about Heather Bartos at https://heatherbartosmd.com.

Welcome to the ICU podcast, where we illuminate invisible chronic illnesses and the people who live with them. In this episode, we’re spotlighting Balance Awareness Week, an annual event hosted by the Vestibular Disorders Association each September. This global campaign raises awareness about the impact of vestibular disorders—conditions that affect balance, dizziness, and spatial orientation—and connects patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals through education and advocacy. In this episode, we talk with Paul Morris, VeDA’s Development Director, about how people can get involved in Balance Awareness Week, as well as Christian Chabbert, a French neurophysiologist who engages healthcare professionals across Europe in this event, and is spearheading a global walk for balance.Speaker BiosPaul Morris has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, helping a wide spectrum of organizations raise millions of dollars to support their missions. He has led successful development efforts in direct health services at the state and national levels. He’s also helped raise funds for organizations that work in regional theater, architectural preservation, offering chess to low-income students, and more. For Paul, fund development isn’t just about raising money, but building relationships with people in your community so that they feel heard, valued, and are excited about supporting their shared mission. Christian Chabbert is a French neurophysiologist and Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. He is developing research on balance disorders at the Research Center in Psychology and Neurosciences at Aix-Marseille University. Since 2015, Dr. Chabbert has directed GDR Vertige, a national research consortium uniting clinicians, scientists, and industry partners to advance the understanding and treatment of vestibular disorders. His expertise in sensory neuroscience and molecular electrophysiology has contributed to over 90 scientific publications and the founding of two biotech companies—Sensorion Pharmaceuticals and Vertidiag—focused on developing therapies for balance-related conditions. Dr. Chabbert also plays a key role in the European PROVIDE network, promoting translational research and innovation in neuro-otology across Europe.

In this episode, we’re diving into a crucial yet often overlooked part of vestibular recovery: sleep. If you’re dealing with vestibular dysfunction, getting high-quality sleep isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a vital part of healing. When you're well-rested, your body is better equipped to handle treatment and manage symptoms. On the flip side, sleep deprivation can actually trigger or worsen dizziness, imbalance, and other vestibular issues. In this episode, we’ll explore how developing strong sleep habits—from setting a consistent bedtime to managing light and noise in your room—can become a powerful tool in your recovery toolkit. So grab a cozy blanket, and let’s talk about why it’s time to take sleep seriously.Speakers:Tiffany KoppIn June 2021, Tiffany woke up to her world spinning. It took 2 weeks for her to be diagnosed with BPPV, two months to be diagnosed with vestibular migraine, and a month later, she was also diagnosed with PPPD. It took almost six months to find a doctor who prescribed a treatment plan that works for her. She discovered VeDA’s website early on in her search for answers to her symptoms and connected with several VeDA Ambassadors, who helped her during her vestibular journey. Now she hopes that she can do the same for someone else. She volunteers as a VeDA Ambassador and believes that advocating is the best way to get the word out and help “make vestibular visible.”Nicole AcerraNicole Acerra earned her psychology and physiotherapy degrees at Queen’s University. After working as a neurological physiotherapist in Canada, the United States, and Australia, she completed doctoral studies in neuroplasticity at the University of Queensland and post-doctoral studies at the University of British Columbia. She has 25 years of clinical experience in neurological and vestibular physiotherapy in acute and private practice. She enjoys working closely with patients and families to develop a customised treatment plan, which may include hands-on therapy, home-based exercises, management techniques, and coping skills.  When not at work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family and friends, road cycling, skiing, hiking, gardening, travelling, reading, and doing yoga.Sleep AssessmentsPittsburgh Sleep Quality IndexSleep Quality ScaleInsomnia Severity Scale

In this episode we explore the power of storytelling and the profound impact it can have on making sense of our lives. Our guests are a memoir expert and our very own co-host, Kimberly Warner. You don’t have to consider yourself a writer to gain something valuable from this conversation. We’ll delve into the stories that shape us, how we find meaning in them, and the transformative potential of sharing these stories with others.Kimberly Warner is a film director, producer, author, and a medical school drop-out who traded prescriptions for cameras in pursuit of narrative medicine. She founded Unfixed Media in 2019 to share stories of people living with chronic or rare conditions and how adversity can broaden our definition of what it means to live a “good life.”Christine Wolf is a trauma-informed memoir coach, developmental editor, and the traditionally published co-author of Politics, Partnership and Power -- a biography about one of the first 50 women to serve in the United States Congress. She runs a workspace for women writers and teaches about writing and entrepreneurship. An award-winning journalist and live storyteller, Christine regularly leads workshops and retreats centered around the science-backed benefits of expressive writing for emotional healing.

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness. That’s a mouthful! No wonder we call it PPPD! This relatively new vestibular diagnosis helps explain why some people continue to experience vestibular symptoms when test results are normal. PPPD typically starts shortly after an event that causes acute vertigo, dizziness, or some other disruption of balance, but it may also occur for unknown reasons. PPPD causes dizziness without vertigo, and fluctuating unsteadiness provoked by environmental or social stimuli, such as crowded places. Some critics question whether this is a “garbage” diagnosis for people with unexplained vestibular-like symptoms. In a separate interview with Professor Jon Stone we learn that this is not the case, and indeed, that PPPD can co-exist with other vestibular disorders. In this episode of the ICU Podcast we’re going to talk with a patient who struggles with PPPD and a physical therapist who treats this complex condition.Speaker Bios:Susan Blount is a college professor, publishing and media executive, and certified health and wellness coach who has dedicated her career to education and well-being. After developing Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) following a trip to Alaska, she faced life-changing challenges. Yet, through vestibular rehab, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a commitment to strength training, she has redefined what it means to live fully. Now, Susan empowers others with the message that being both healthy and chronically ill is possible. With the support of the VeDA community, she continues to navigate life with resilience, purpose, and joy.Dr. Megan Daly is an experienced Vestibular Physical Therapist and Health Coach.  She has her own physical therapy and coaching practice to help people address the root cause of their symptoms, navigate the healthcare system, and modify their lifestyle. She also runs Dizzy Coaches, a vestibular mentoring program for clinicians of all levels.  She helps patients with dizziness, migraines, concussions, and balance issues manage their conditions so they can have fewer dizzy days. She has experienced many vestibular conditions personally and brings this empathy to all her patient interactions.

Did you know that vestibular disorders affect children as well as adults? There are increasing reports of vestibular deficits in children. One study suggests that as many as 1 in 5 children in the United States have problems with dizziness or balance. Pediatric vestibular disorders result in vertigo, gaze instability, delayed motor development, and problems with reading. These symptoms are difficult for anyone to cope with, but are especially challenging for children and their families. Pediatric vestibular healthcare specialists are hard to find, it can be difficult for a child to describe their symptoms, and delayed diagnosis can have devastating results. In this episode of the ICU Podcast we’re going to talk to a pediatric vestibular specialist and the mother of a young child who bravely battled vertigo, hearing loss, and a host of other vestibular symptoms.Guests:Andi Gilkey - Andi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the proud mom of avestibular warrior. Her son is an amazing 11-year-old who loves baseball, music, video games and his friends. He has bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, a unilateral Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct, childhood vertigo, PPPD and vestibular migraines. His hearing journey has been well supported by an incredible team, but his vestibular journey has been one of the biggest challenges Andi has encountered as a mother. She says it felt like an endless roller coaster full of ups and downs since he was a toddler. Through hard work and the creation of an incredible vestibular team, she is proud to say that her son has been in remission of vestibular symptoms for 10 months. Her ongoing goal is to share her family’s story with others to provide hope and support to the vestibular community.Jennifer Braswell-Christy, PT, PhD, FAPTA: Dr. Jennifer Christy is a Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her primary area of research is in the development of innovative intervention methods to improve gaze stability and balance in children with vestibular-related impairments. Related to this area of research, Dr. Christy teaches numerous continuing education courses in the U.S. and abroad.

In today’s episode of the ICU Podcast, we’re going to talk about brain fog. It kind of sounds like some sort of weather pattern. What is brain fog, and why do so many vestibular patients experience it? Some people describe it as forgetfulness, confusion, a lack of focus, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, or just a vague sense of blurry thinking, like your head is in the clouds. When the brain is dedicating a great deal of energy to maintaining equilibrium and staying steady, activities such as recalling details or short-term memory may become more difficult, and thinking might seem slow. First, I want you to know that this is NORMAL. Today we’ll talk to a patient who knows about brain fog all too well, and a doctor who has helped thousands of women learn to manage this frustrating symptom.Dr. Kathleen Jordan is the Chief Medical Officer at Midi, a virtual care clinic for women going through menopause and perimenopause. She has personally experienced the struggle to find a healthcare provider she can consider a partner in her journey toward wellness. She created Midi to put high-quality, patient-centered care within reach for all women at midlife. As an expert in women’s health, Dr. Jordan is very familiar with brain fog, otherwise known as “menopause brain”, and has some great suggestions for how to recognize and manage it.Ann Walder has struggled with migraines all her life. The word Vestibular Migraine entered her vocabulary after an illness that damaged her inner ears when she was 48. Early on Ann says her brain fog was fierce. She was blessed to connect with the vestibular community and find qualified healthcare providers early in her journey. Her family has been very supportive, and she’s found many friends among VeDA’s Ambassadors. She currently works as an activity specialist with the elderly and says that helping others brings her true happiness.

For many people who have a vestibular disorder, a trip to the grocery store can turn into a battle with dizziness. The bright lights, rows of shelves, patterns on the floor, and crowds of people can trigger symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and light-headedness. Bending down or turning your head to scan for the items you need. All this can take a lot of energy to navigate. Visually induced dizziness is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms. It can also be referred to as visual vertigo, space and motion discomfort, supermarket syndrome or visual vestibular mismatch. Researchers think it is caused by a conflict between different parts of the brain’s balance system. In this episode of the ICU podcast, we’re going to talk to Elizabeth, who struggles with visual disturbances as a result of her vestibular disorder, and Dr. Morgan Kriz, a physical therapist who specializes in treating this condition.Elizabeth Schneider has been living with a Vestibular Disorder for 21 years. She was first diagnosed at age 36, when she lost her balance and experienced severe visual disturbances. She had to retire from her job as a Registered Nurse because she could no longer work due to her vestibular symptoms. Elizabeth knows what it’s like to struggle with career, money problems, and family stress, especially when you first get sick. Like many of you, she had to navigate through the medical system to get help, which is a taxing effort at best. She decided to become a VeDA Ambassador to bring awareness to this diagnosis and to help others get the help they need!Dr. Morgan Kriz has been practicing vestibular physical therapy for more than 10 years. She understands the journey that many vestibular warriors endure to get a proper diagnosis, obtain a supportive care team, and feel like they are on the right track to get their lives back. She is co-owner of Vestibular Therapy Specialists, with clinics in Seattle, WA and Bend, OR, where she resides with her family. She is also a consultant for Blue Marble Gaming Company, which is developing online home programs and protocols for Vestibular Rehabilitation. She’s a content creator and presenter for Vestibular IQ, a Continuing Education Platform for healthcare providers, and the volunteer director for a support group series called “Boost Your Brain’s Balance.”

In this episode we’re going to talk about silence. The silence that happens when you lose your hearing. Whether it comes on all of a sudden or gradually, losing your hearing is a life changer. It starts when you have to ask your friends and family to repeat what they just said. Eventually you stop asking, and you begin to feel separate, apart, not included in the conversation. Although there is no cure for hearing loss, fortunately, there are very effective tools and treatments that can help people remain engaged with the hearing world around them.Our guests are:Lynn Johnson: Lynn's life became unbalanced in 2015. She had been feeling off, and out of the blue woke up with imbalance and loud tinnitus (ringing) in her right ear. As days passed, her symptoms continued to get worse. Five months and four doctors later, she was diagnosed with Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (AIED) and Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction. Her symptoms include bilateral profound deafness, tinnitus, oscillopsia (jumping vision), and imbalance. Lynn says that if she had been given the correct diagnosis in the beginning, there might have been a chance to save her hearing. Lynn is a VeDA Ambassador and co-leader of a support group for vestibular patients with hearing loss.Molly Smeal:  Dr. Molly Smeal is a clinical audiologist in the Head and Neck Section of the Integrated Surgical Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, and is an adjunct professor for the Northeast Ohio AuD Consortium. Dr. Smeal specializes in diagnostics and auditory implantable devices. She also participates in clinical research related to implantable devices. In her career, she has led and participated in several initiatives focused on clinical quality control. She is a published author and invited national and international presenter. Dr. Smeal is currently a participant of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance. 

In this episode of the ICU Podcast we’re going to talk about what happens when we lose function in our inner ear completely, when the vestibular system on both your right and your left sides is not working. Bilateral vestibular loss, also called hypofunction, can be devastating. It results in severe difficulty maintaining balance, especially when walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces, and a decrease in your ability to see clearly when moving your head. This can lead to an increased risk of falling, blurry vision, dizziness, imbalance, and can eventually lead to other types of physical deconditioning. How does a person cope when their internal gyroscope is essentially turned off, and what medical miracles are available to help them?Our guests today are Dr. Charley Della Santina, one of the foremost researchers in this area, and Donna McKinney, a vestibular patient with bilateral vestibular loss.Guest BiosDr. Charles Della Santina, MD, PhDDr. Charley Della Santina specializes in surgery for treatment of otosclerosis, acoustic neuroma, and other problems that cause hearing loss or abnormal vestibular sensation. He is a neurophysiologist with PhDs in biomedical and electrical engineering. Dr. Della Santina founded and directs the Johns Hopkins Vestibular NeuroEngineering Lab. His research group focuses on developing a vestibular implant to treat chronic unsteadiness and oscillopsia caused by gentamicin ototoxicity and other causes of bilateral vestibular hypofunction.Donna McKinneyDonna McKinney is a mom of three and a proud grandma. Since her diagnosis of bilateral vestibular loss in 2014 she has had to retire from her physically active career as a youth and senior fitness director. She has become a certified health coach and a diabetes prevention coach and is hoping to return to work on a part-time basis. Donna enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and going for long rides and day trips with her partner, Alec, who has been by her side through every dizzying step of this diagnosis. In May of last year Donna received the multichannel vestibular implant as part of a study at Johns Hopkins University.

The year end holidays are probably the busiest time of year for social events. Family gatherings and work parties, special church services, and cocktail parties with friends. These are meant to be fun and festive, a time to eat, drink, and be merry. But events can often be overwhelming for people with vestibular disorders, with bright lights and lots of people talking loudly and all at once. How can you take part in the joy of the season while also taking care of yourself? Today we’re going to talk to a professional event planner whose job is to make large, busy events inclusive, as well as a vestibular patient, who has developed a strategy for being able to enjoy family gatherings.Mal de Debarquement Syndrome is a central vestibular disorder that typically arises following exposure to passive motion (i.e. boat, airplane, automobile, train, etc.). The characteristic symptom of MdDS is a constant sensation of rocking, swaying, and/or bobbing. On this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, we connect with one of the leading researchers in MdDS and an MdDS patient who runs a support group!This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Carol Rexroad Cannon lives with her husband Robert in Hendersonville, North Carolina. They worked together as United Methodist pastors for 35 years before retiring in 2021. Carol was struck with severe vertigo due to vestibular neuritis in 2016, which has since developed into PPPD. Vestibular rehab therapy has helped restore her balance. Carol enjoys hiking mountain trails near her home, visiting with family, and volunteering in the church and community to work for justice, peace, and wholeness.Erika LaDousa has over 20 years of event planning experience, nine of those as the owner of LDS Events, an event planning company that focuses solely on supporting non-profit organizations. Erika also works as a fundraising consultant with Minneapolis-based Fladeboe Advancement.  Erika lives in Edina, Minnesota with her husband and two daughters. She loves to travel, volunteer, and spend time at their family cabin in Wisconsin.Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy

Living with and supporting someone with a chronic illness can be challenging. First off, we'd like to give a big shout out to all the spouses, parents, friends, and other “care partners” out there who selflessly adapt their lives around the restrictions imposed by their loved one’s vestibular illness. Aborted family events, staying home instead of going out for dinner and a movie, and lots of medical appointments are just some of the complications you might face. On top of that, there is the worry - will your loved one ever get better? The guilt - could you be doing more to reduce your loved one’s burden? And, let’s face it, the exhaustion - when can you take time to care for yourself? Care partners often spend so much time and energy focused on their loved one’s needs, they often sacrifice their own. In this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, we’d like to shine the light on these unsung heroes, and offer them a moment to reflect on what self-care might look like for them.This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/If you are or know a care partner who has been along side their loved one in their vestibular journey, please invite them to join VeDA's "Supporting Loved Ones" support group at https://vestibular.org/members/slovedonessggmail-com/About the Guests:Katie Willard Virant is a psychotherapist living in St. Louis.  She sees clients in therapy and writes for Psychology Today about chronic illness.  She is a graduate of the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and of the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute’s Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy program. She works with adults, adolescents and children on a variety of issues, including loss and grief, life transitions, and living with chronic illness.Christina Mullins: Christina has been married for seven years and is a mother to two children, ages 7 and 5. She enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, and cherishing moments of fun with her kids. Four years ago, her husband was diagnosed with Ménière's disease, and since then, he has also been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, vestibular migraines, and Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). Despite these challenges, Christina remains committed to her family and her passion for helping others.  Professionally, she is a licensed clinical social worker in a middle school setting, where she dedicates her career to supporting students and their well-being. Additionally, she has started a blog called Sunshine Parenting in Chronic Weather, where she shares her experiences and insights on being a spouse and parent while navigating the complexities of chronic illness.Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome is a central vestibular disorder that typically arises following exposure to passive motion (i.e. boat, airplane, automobile, train, etc.). The characteristic symptom of MdDS is a constant sensation of rocking, swaying, and/or bobbing. On this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, we connect with one of the leading researchers in MdDS and an MdDS patient who runs a support group!This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Dr. Yoon Hee Cha is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology with subspecialty training in neurotology. She joined the faculty of the department in July 2019 to pursue research on the application of non-invasive brain stimulation methods on the modulation of motion perception, treatment of vertigo, and enhancement of gait and balance. She developed the first neuromodulation-based clinical trials in mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS). Her research revealed the importance of brain regions not traditionally thought to be part of the vestibular system in the creation of motion perception. Besides research on the use of non-invasive brain stimulation tools such as transcranial alternating current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, Dr. Cha sees patients in the neurology clinic with a focus on chronic headache, vertigo, and gait dysfunction.Nancy Gray has lived with 24/7 symptoms of MdDS since 2019 after disembarking from an Atlantic Ocean crossing. After feeling like she was in continuous motion for three weeks, she sought medical help. In 2021, she worked with Dr. Sergei Yakushin at Mt. Sinai for a week of treatment, which improved her symptoms. Nancy continues to travel by boat, embracing her condition. Her hobbies include travel, playing the hammered dulcimer, watercolor, collage, writing, photography, genealogy research, and gardening. She has adapted her activities to continue enjoying them despite MdDS. Nancy also leads an MdDS support group, offering valuable insights and advice to others.Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy

Traveling with a vestibular illness can feel impossible and problematic. Obstacles like rapid altitude changes, visual disturbances, patterned airport carpets, and passive motion can amplify symptoms. Many people with vestibular dysfunction need accommodations or restrictions to prevent symptoms, attacks, or flare-ups. Having a vestibular disorder should not prevent someone from traveling. On this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, we talk with two vestibular patients who are also professional travelers!This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Arthur Wooten is an award-winning playwright and novelist who works for PASSPORT magazine as a feature travel writer. In 2005, Arthur developed a life-changing diagnosis of bilateral vestibular loss, and, to this day, he still experiences symptoms 24/7. In 2011 Arthur wanted to share the devastating yet surprisingly encouraging aspects of having a vestibular disorder, which resulted in his fictional memoir, DIZZY. The characters are fictional but the medical storyline is all Arthur's.Cynthia Connell is a travel agent with Personal Travel Management in Vancouver, Canada and a certified Spanish to English translator. She got her start in the travel industry over 20 years ago as a tour leader, taking small groups of international travelers around Mexico and Central America on 2-3 week trips. She specializes in adventure travel and has set her wandering feet on all seven continents. Her journey as a vestibular patient began in 2019 with a diagnosis of vestibular neuritis, which moved on to PPPD and possible vestibular migraine.Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy

Devices—can’t live with them, can’t live without them. When I was in the first two years of my vestibular disorder I remember longing to turn back the clock to the 1800’s. Televisions, computer screens, even my phone sent my nervous system reeling so it took me years to return to modern communication. And because I wasn’t connecting digitally during that time, I had no idea others experienced the same problem as me and became very isolated. When we are symptomatic, trying to scroll through an article on the phone or watch a movie on a tablet can be torture. Attending a Zoom meeting with multiple people talking and moving can be unbearable. Even texting back and forth can be dizzying. But staying connected is an important part of our recovery, and this often is through virtual mediums, so it is important to use every tool available to improve our ability to function while using a digital device. Even small changes can have a big impact. In this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, we take some time to explore these challenges and discuss a multitude of ways to make our digital companions more user-friendly. This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Dr. Cheryl Berger-Israeloff has more than 20 years experience practicing optometry and focuses her practice on a subspecialty called neuro-visual optometry, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of vision-based problems commonly found in the brain-injured population. Dr. Israeloff is a pioneer in the optometric treatment of conditions that cause blurred vision, motion sickness, and headaches. She graduated from Cornell University and SUNY College of Optometry.Alexandra Biss has had dizzy symptoms since she was in her teens, but she officially started her vestibular journey during the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020 when she completely lost her balance and was unable to walk without support. She was ultimately diagnosed with chronic vestibular migraines that stripped her independence and stability. After multiple doctor visits she finally met a neurologist who was a vestibular specialist. While her symptoms are still prominent, through medication and vestibular therapy she has begun getting back on track. She currently works as an underwriting analyst at an  insurance firm in Canada and has started running, which is now a central passion of hers. On the days she was bed bound, never once did she think she would be able to take part in any sport again. Her newly-found love for running has allowed her to regain stability and confidence. She has completed two half marathons, both raising money for VeDA, and is currently preparing for her first full marathon this coming May. Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Ve

As you know, dealing with vestibular disorders can take a toll on a person’s mental well-being. Feelings of stress, sadness, and uncertainty about the future are common, and these emotional responses can manifest as anxiety. Anxiety and vestibular symptoms can create a vicious cycle where one exacerbates the other, and it’s ever so hard to break that cycle. Addressing anxiety in people with vestibular dysfunction often involves a multifaceted approach that may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and medications if necessary. By addressing both the physical symptoms and the associated anxiety, people can better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. Today we’re going to be talking with psychologist, Joanna Wolfson, and vestibular patient, Lauren Colella, about why anxiety is so prevalent among people with vestibular dysfunction, and what are some practical things you can do to manage it. This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Joanna Wolfson, PhD, ABPP is a senior psychologist at Rusk Rehabilitation, NYU Langone Health, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, completed her internship at NYU Rusk, and did a postdoctoral fellowship at the Manhattan VA in Health Psychology and Primary Care. She is board certified in clinical health psychology. Dr. Wolfson provides individual and group psychotherapy to patients with a wide range of medical presentations, including vestibular conditions. She co-leads a vestibular stress management group, which has been running for the past 8 years. She also supervises interns in the field of health psychology and presents on topics including integrated healthcare, motivational interviewing, and health anxiety.Stefanie Adams suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries and had her third concussion in 2017. As soon as she hit her head she felt off-balance and started to sway. Over the next year she developed terrible migraines and dizziness. Eventually the migraines left, but the dizziness stayed. A year later she discovered that she had a perilymph fistula (a hole in the membrane separating the middle and inner ears). When she got the flu, she blew her nose and the room started to spin. She’s had surgery to repair the fistula and is now a VeDA Ambassador and vestibular advocate. In her professional life, Stefanie is an Account Manager for a healthcare communications agency.Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

Caring for oneself with a vestibular disorder is not easy—add infants, children and teens into the mix and the spectrum of experience can span from feeling downright impossible to uniquely rewarding.  In honor of Mother’s Day this month and our community of mothers with vestibular disorders, this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast dives into the multi-layered experiences of mothering “dizzy.” We are joined by vestibular patients and mothers, Kayla McCain and Marissa Aldrete to discuss considerations in family planning, pregnancy and vestibular disorders, managing self-care, and how to include family in your vestibular experiences so you feel more supported and less overwhelmed and alone. This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Marissa Aldrete is the mother to a fifteen year old son and has been a vestibular patient for over 12 of those years. She lives with vestibular migraine, chronic migraine, and PPPD.  When she first developed symptoms, she was a preschool teacher with a three year old at home. Like so many vestibular patients she saw multiple physicians who either thought she had anxiety or wanted to try hefty meds that would leave her unable to function. In 2014, she experienced a remission of symptoms and went back to a “normal” life for the next four years. But in 2018 her symptoms returned with a vengeance and she became housebound. Eventually, under the care of Dr. Shin Beh, she was able to slowly resume life again. Marissa joined VeDA as an ambassador and started an online support group with fellow vestie, Joy Holten. Joy and Marissa also have a podcast, Finding Joy in Your Vestibular Journey.  Recently Marissa became a health and wellness coach so she can share what she’s learned with others.Kayla McCain began experiencing symptoms of vestibular neuritis and vestibular migraine in October of 2016. Like many vestibular patients, Kayla fell into despair during the early stages of her diagnosis. However, after getting established with a neurologist (Dr. Shin Beh) and treatment plan, she was able to adapt to her new normal, became an ambassador with VeDA and began sharing her experience online at Truekaylaisms.com. Kayla left the corporate world shortly after her diagnosis and opened her own business (Kayla McCain Marketing) to be able to continue to pursue her love for content marketing while controlling her work environment with daily dizziness. In 2020, Kayla became a mom - something she wasn’t sure was a possibility with a vestibular disorder. Today, she continues to work from home with her two young boys Declan (4) and Greyson (1) while managing the ups and downs of her vestibular migraine.Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.

You never thought it would happen. You thought you would work until retirement or beyond, but then along came your vestibular disorder. Now, focusing on a computer screen is a challenge, you can’t drive, walking is a safety hazard, and your concentration is not what it used to be. Getting through a workday is exhausting and frustrating as you struggle to complete tasks that used to be easy for you. Many people who suffer from chronic vestibular disorders find it difficult to continue working. In this episode of the ICU - I See You podcast, we’re going to talk with someone who knows all too well the challenges of applying for disability, as well as a disability attorney who has helped many people successfully file a disability claim.Additional resources about applying for disability with a vestibular disorder go to vestibular.org/disabilityThis podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Tracey Pate is the founding member and Managing Attorney of Disability Associates LLC where 100% of her practice focuses on obtaining disability benefits for Social Security disability clients. She has  over 30 years' experience representing thousands of disabled individuals before the Social Security Administration, the Office of Hearings Operations, the Appeals' Council and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. She has been qualified as an expert witness in the field of Social Security disability law and is a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives (NOSSCR).  She has a passion for people and the law and is energized when she is able to arrive at a solution that benefits all parties involved.  Camille Jackson suffered a traumatic brain injury in a freak household accident that altered her life forever. Camille was a lawyer and an accomplished expert in foreign policy. Prior to her accident, she worked in diplomacy for almost ten years, traveling to over twenty countries for meetings and projects with embassies. Camille has suffered with daily disabling dizziness for more than four years without answers or a diagnosis. When applying for disability Camille had to lean heavily on the advocacy skills she honed as an attorney. Today, we’re going to learn from her wisdom and experience.Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

Each person’s experience of the menopause transition is unique. Changes affect sleep, mood, mental acuity, and subsequently, you guessed it, our vestibular system. Reports of the effect women’s hormones play on their vestibular systems are common, but symptoms vary. During different hormonal periods, some women report a new onset of symptoms, while others report a worsening of existing symptoms, and some even report improvement. In this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, hosts are joined by Dr. Maja Scrakic and vestibular patient Nina Coslov who discuss personal experiences and research on this important topic.This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Dr. Maja Svrakic is a board certified neurotologist. She holds a faculty appointment at the Northwell Health Department of Otolaryngology at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center and is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology at Zucker School of Medicine, where she is also the Program Director for the Residency in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. Dr. Svrakic immigrated from Belgrade, Serbia, graduated summa cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis, and received her medical degree from Columbia University. She completed residency in Otolaryngology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a fellowship in Neurotology at New York University, and a Masters in Health Professions Pedagogy and Leadership at the Hofstra University School of Education. She has also authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles and book chapters. Nina Coslov has experienced episodic dizziness on and off for years and like many of us, navigated countless doctors and hypotheses, tried many therapies, and wondered about the relationship of her dizzy symptoms to hormonal changes. Nina Coslov created Women Living Better (womenlivingbetter.org) to provide anticipatory guidance about perimenopause. Intent on better characterizing the path to menopause, Nina focuses on education and research. Nina and her research partners have published seven papers in peer-reviewed journals. Nina was the lead author on “Symptom experience during the late reproductive stage and the menopause transition: observations from the Women Living Better survey” published in the journal Menopause. She also authored the chapter “Women’s Voices: The Lived Experience of the Path to Menopause” in Each Women’s Menopause: An evidenced Based Resource. Nina received the 2021 Media Award from the North American Menopause Society. Additional resource about vestibular disorders in women: https://vestibular.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/KIWH_062321_Vestibular-Disorders-in-Women_Flyer_v1.pdfHosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.

Primary care practitioners are often the first healthcare professionals we seek when we feel dizzy, disoriented, or not quite right. Their role is to take a medical history and assess whether the person can be treated immediately with medication or therapy, or whether they need to be referred to a specialist for further testing. One challenge, however, is that by definition, primary care practitioners are generalists and may not know enough about the signs and symptoms of vestibular impairment to triage patients appropriately. The good news is that there are Advanced Practice Providers such as Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who specialize in otolaryngology that can serve as a first point of contact to help dizzy patients get on the road to recovery more quickly.In this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast we discuss how specialized NPs, APPs, and PAs can help in vestibular healthcare.This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Maria Machala is a certified nurse practitioner and the director of the Dizziness and Balance Clinic at the University of Colorado, where she specializes in otology and neurotology. She has a special interest in vestibular migraine and in the overlap between migraine and Meniere’s disease and other vestibular conditions. She serves as a guest lecturer at the Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner schools within the University of Colorado and is a clinical mentor to students in these programs. She teaches advanced practice providers who work in otolaryngology how to perform otologic procedures and comprehensive vestibular evaluations.Lindsey Mwesigwa is from Dayton, Ohio where she lives with her husband, son, and 2 dogs. One dog is Jazzy, a German Shepherd who is her service dog.  She has been a nurse since 2008 and is currently an associate nurse manager on an advanced cardiac floor.  Her vestibular journey began in 2016 with minor episodes of vertigo and dizziness. She had periods of brain fog, and then the true nightmare began in September of 2022 when her episodes became severe and debilitating. She was diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines in October 2022 and then PPPD in November of 2023. Having a vestibular disorder has affected her professional and personal life. She is trying to spread awareness and education to help other vestibular warriors who are suffering get relief with quicker diagnosis and treatment. Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

We’ve all messed around with art at some point in our lives and with perfectionists at bay, it can be playful, relaxing and revitalizing. But how often do we pick up a paintbrush because it can also be medicine? Personally, when I was in the deepest terrors of MdDS, needle sculpting with wool became a lifeline, and I know I’m not alone when I say that art can soothe frayed nerves, give us a sense of purpose, and also help the quieter subconscious self within have a voice.In this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast we explore how art (in all its forms) can be a useful and powerful tool for those of us living with vestibular disorders, and how you can bring more of this creative act into your life… even if you’re a novice! This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Nicolle Cure is a Colombian-American artist living and working in Miami, Florida. Her abstract paintings explore the relationship between sound and daily life, inspired by her sudden unilateral hearing loss in 2017 and the subsequent diagnosis of Ménière's disease—a vestibular health condition affecting her hearing and balance. Since then, Nicolle has shifted her creative approach and style to illustrate her experience with hearing loss through color and movement. She uses mixed-media techniques, incorporating soft washes and mark-making, to create fluid, abstract, energetic, yet calming paintings. Beyond her art practice, Nicolle is passionate about helping others and raising awareness for causes dear to her heart. In the last seven years, she has partnered with the Hearing Health Foundation and VeDA, donating her time and art to support their fundraising initiatives. You can see Nicolles art at https://www.nicollecure.com/Jade Chung is a Professional Art Therapist, Integrative Trauma Coach, and Intuitive Healer. Currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia, she works with women who are looking to heal and expand in powerful and creative ways, mind, body, and soul. She is trained in a diversity of modalities that release trauma, rewire the brain, and awaken the soul so that her clients can shift into a life of alignment, authenticity, and embodiment. She is registered with the Canadian Association of Art Therapists and has advanced certifications in integrative trauma work and energy medicine. Learn more about Jade's art and practice at https://www.yourpiece.art/aboutHosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

For many people with vestibular disorders, what they eat and drink can trigger dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and other symptoms. The good news is that certain dietary modifications can help you manage your symptoms. Figuring out what to eliminate from your diet can be tricky, though. Not only are triggers different for each person, but you also have to be aware of maintaining a balanced diet, and you want it to taste good too. In this episode hosts Cynthia Ryan and Kimberly Warner are joined by guests Dr. Jessica Lieffers, RD and Alicia Wolf of the Dizzy Cook to discuss diet and nutrition for people with vestibular disorders. This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Alicia Wolf is a cookbook author, recipe developer, and Vestibular Migraine advocate. She was diagnosed with Chronic Vestibular Migraine in 2016. Originally a self-taught chef, she honed her skills by attending culinary immersion programs in Dallas, TX and France. Alicia’s recipes have been featured by Yahoo!, PARADE, mindbodygreen, and on local morning shows like Today and Good Morning Texas. She is a Vestibular Disorders Association Ambassador and her advocacy work for vestibular migraine has been highlighted by Healthline, American Migraine Foundation, Miles for Migraine, and Self Magazine. Her first cookbook, The Dizzy Cook, was published February 2020 and has been considered an Amazon Bestseller in the Pain Management category. Her new cookbook, The Mediterranean Migraine Diet: A Science Based Roadmap to Control Symptoms and Transform Brain Health, was created in partnership with her neurologist, Dr. Shin Beh. Both books are available almost everywhere books are sold. https://thedizzycook.com/Dr. Jessica Lieffers is a Registered Dietitian and an Associate Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Saskatchewan. She has published more than 50 peer-reviewed research articles in various areas of nutrition and dietetics. She also teaches in the BSc Nutrition program at the University of Saskatchewan and supervises Masters and PhD students in nutrition. Jessica has been also living with a vestibular disorder since 2018 and brings both professional and patient experience to this podcast. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR DIET AND NUTRITIONClinical Practice Guidelines Meniere’s Disease https://www.entnet.org/quality-practice/quality-products/clinical-practice-guidelines/menieres-disease/ Lifestyle Interventions and Meniere’s Disease (Cochrane Review – Plain Language Summary) https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD015244.pub2/full#CD015244-abs-0002More information about dietitians:USAhttps://www.eatright.org/about-rdns-and-ndtrshttps://www.eatright.org/find-a-nutrition-expertCanadahttps://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/About-Dietitians/What-is-a-Dietitian.aspxhttps://members.dietitians.ca/DCMember/s/find-dietitian?language=en_USVeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. 

In the newest episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, guests Jen Warner and Joy Mohr join the hosts to discuss how having a vestibular disorder affects personal relationships. It can be hard to relate to another person’s experience. This is especially true for people struggling with vestibular impairment because the symptoms are invisible and unpredictable. But, these disorders affect not only the people who are afflicted but their families as well. This episode discusses how to educate others about our experience and communicate our needs. This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Joy Mohr’s nightmare began March 2018 after a week long family vacation on a cruise ship. After a week of being home, she knew something was wrong when her "land legs" didn't return and was beyond exhausted. She wasn't bouncing back fresh and rejuvenated from a week off the grind in the Caribbean as she had from prior cruises. As a healthcare provider she researched the possibilities and started making appointments with ENTs and neurologists. She had a list of working diagnoses for over one year and saw many specialists before she was able to get definitive answers. She was first diagnosed with MdDS. During the first year of having MdDS, an invisible disorder, life threw her multiple curve balls increasing stress which led to vestibular migraines, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. The MdDS symptoms wax and wane. She now falls somewhere in the MdDS/PPPD loop given the day, weather, and personal activities.Jennifer (Jen) Warner an Illinois, Washington, Oregon, and New York State licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with advanced training and certification in trauma-informed care and the treatment of trauma, as well as holistic health and nutrition. She currently specializes in working with individuals living with traumatic stress related to complex chronic illness including but not limited to vestibular disorders, migraine, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and dysautonomia/POTS. As a person who also lives with these conditions, Jen is committed to growing understanding of chronic illness as a trauma and the need for implementing trauma-informed care within organizations that serve this population and their caregivers. Jen currently lives in Chicago with her wife where she maintains a private psychotherapy and consulting practice and continues to see clients remotely across the country. https://www.instagram.com/jenwellnesstherapy/VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.

In the newest episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, guests Dr. Yonit Arthur and Melinda Reed join the hosts to dive into the unnerving vestibular symptom often referred to as Dissociation, Depersonalization and Derealization. These experiences are characterized by a sense of unreality and detachment from one’s surroundings, body, emotions, and self. These experiences are characterized by a sense of unreality and detachment from one’s surroundings, body, emotions and self. Some patients report feeling “strange and not in control of themselves” or “being spacey and out-of-body.” In other words, a very scary occurrence to have on top of the already challenging symptoms of dizziness. This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Melinda Reed worked as an Occupational Therapist for thirty five years mostly in pediatrics.  She was very active all her life with activities like hiking, biking, running and kayaking. In 2016 she was painting a ceiling for the better part of a day, and the following day woke with a very stiff neck and resulting positional vertigo. She continues to have episodic dizziness as well as neck pain, however, she keeps busy doing the activities she did in the past despite the dizziness. 3 years ago, she retired as an Occupational Therapist, but is also an artist and writer, as well as a part time real estate agent. Dr. Yonit Arthur, AuD (or "Dr. Yo") is a board-certified audiologist, vestibular specialist, and mindbody coach who specializes in helping people with chronic, medically unexplained dizziness and other vestibular symptoms. As part of her commitment to helping as many people around the world as possible via free and low cost education, Dr. Yo has a YouTube channel and podcast called, The Steady Coach, and offers a completely free, comprehensive course to anyone suffering from chronic dizziness symptoms. You can learn more about her work on her website, https://thesteadycoach.com.VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

In this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, hosts and guests discuss complementary and alternative approaches to supporting your wellness as a person with vestibular dysfunction. If you’re like most people, when you aren’t feeling well you go to see your medical doctor, and hopefully they, in conjunction with other members of your healthcare team, create a treatment plan based on conventional medical practices. What many people don’t know is that when you support your overall wellness using complementary and alternative modalities, you are physically and mentally better able to cope with everyday stressors, and often respond better to conventional treatments. This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Emily Englert is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in Seattle, WA, an author and a wellness coach. Over six years ago she went through a chaotic health crisis with a vestibular condition that took her on a beautiful, and messy, healing journey, and which inspired her to tap into her healer nature. Emily believes that we should all be in the driver's seat when it comes to our health and wellness. She is a proponent of supporting healing from the inside out and addressing the root cause of the symptoms that create ill health in the body.Dr. Kathleen Stross is one of the premier vestibular and neurological physical therapists in the US. Her physical therapy career began in 1989 and quickly focused on the treatment of people with vestibular dysfunction. She developed one of the first Vestibular Rehabilitation programs in the US, developing treatment techniques for those with dizziness and balance disorders. Kathleen’s neurosensory approach to physical dysfunction allows appreciation for the nervous system’s role in processing every stimulus and orchestrating all expression. VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

Vestibular disorders come with horrible symptoms, including vertigo, dizziness, nausea, and brain fog, to mention a few. It’s no wonder we all want a “miracle pill." Unfortunately, no one treatment works for every person.In this episode of the ICU Podcast, the hosts talk to vestibular patient Lily Carillo who has been on that road, as well as Dr. Nicholas Hac, MD who explains how he determines what the appropriate medication is for his patients.If you are interested in joining a VeDA support group you can learn more at https://vestibular.org/article/coping-support/support-groups/This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. https://unfixedmedia.com/About the Guests:Dr. Nicholas Hac: Dr. Hac is an assistant professor in the Comprehensive Neurology Division with an ambulatory focus in vestibular and oto-neurology and clinical practice as a neurohospitalist. Dr. Hac completed his residency at Northwestern in 2020 and a neurohospitalist instructorship in 2021 before pursuing a fellowship in vestibular and ocular motor otoneurology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.Lily Carillo: When Lily was in her early 20’s she had management positions that made her feel stressed and anxious. Then in her mid 20's she had her first vertigo episode. It was scary and lasted about three days. She went to many specialists who prescribed medication for dizziness, but none of these drugs helped. In her late 30's she had a vertigo episode that lasted more than a month. She couldn't walk around her home and couldn't work. Brain fog and fatigue were there everyday. Finally she found a vertigo specialist, and, as she describes, that’s when “the miracle happened.” VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

A support group provides a unique and critical service: acceptance. This forum allows individuals to ask questions and to learn in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Participants know that everyone attending the meeting understands and has compassion for the functional difficulties of getting through each day. As a result, less frustration and energy are spent on proving or defining limitations. More energy is available for appreciating the character and companionship offered by others, and recognizing personal self-worth. We know that support groups play an important role in recovering from vestibular dysfunction and discovering your ‘new normal.’ In this episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, hosts Cynthia Ryan and Kimberly Warned talk to two people who have experienced the power of peer support, healthcare provider Sarah Conover and vestibular patient David Morrill. If you are interested in joining a VeDA support group you can learn more at https://vestibular.org/article/coping-support/support-groups/This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.About the Guests:Sarah Conover is a licensed vestibular physical therapist and certified health coach who helps people recover from dizziness and imbalance so they can get back to work, family responsibilities, and the active pastimes they love. Through one on one telehealth visits and her online group program, Sarah uses a diverse approach to address chronic dizziness as well as the anxiety and fears that often coexist. Sarah has degrees from the University of Evansville and the University of Indianapolis. She obtained Vestibular Competency through the rigorous Herdman program at Emory University in 2005 and also has advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, functional nutrition, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Sarah's services as a PT and a health coach are available at https://www.dizzycoach.com/David Morrill's vestibular disorder was caused by a stroke. During his recovery he found himself struggling with constant dizziness and imbalance. He didn’t know where to turn until he found VeDA. VeDA helped David understand his disorder and gave him hope that someday he could regain so many things he’d lost to his disability. Today David gives back to the community who supported him. He is the chair of VeDA’s volunteer Ambassador Board, he’s facilitated in-person, virtual, and Facebook support groups, and he is VeDA’s Community Support Coordinator.VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

Most people have probably heard a high-pitched whining noise in their ears at least once. It comes and then it goes, but it’s temporary. However, for some people, that ringing, hissing, whistling, buzzing, or clicking sound is constant. That noise that isn’t a noise is called tinnitus, and it’s generally caused by damage to the auditory system.In this episode of the ICU ("I See You") podcast, the discussion explores the connection between tinnitus and hearing loss, common concerns, and possible treatments and coping strategies. Hosts Cynthia Ryan (VeDA Executive Director) and Kimberly Warner (Unfixed Media Founder & Director) are joined by Dr. Christina Shields, AuD, and Steve Schwier, who shares his personal experience with tinnitus resulting from Meniere's disease. Steve vividly describes the impact of tinnitus on his daily life and the disorienting effect it has. Dr. Shields explains the nature of tinnitus.This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.About the Guests:Diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease in 2013, Steve Schwier had been able to do little at that time but stay on his couch and manage his symptoms. But in 2020, Steve decided to get up and ride his bike across America to be the voice of a suffering, silent minority and bring awareness to Meniere’s Disease. His difficult and grueling ride is chronicled in his memoir, “On the Vertigo: One Sick Man’s Journey to Make a Difference.” Despite the horrendous nature of Meniere’s disease, Steve tells his story with humor, grace, and heartfelt reflection.Dr. Christina Shields, AuD is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences at the University of Maryland in College Park. She received a bachelor's degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences, as well as her Clinical Doctorate in Audiology from the University of Maryland. She completed her clinical fourth year placement at the University of Maryland Medical Center in 2013. Her clinical background includes diagnostic audiometric testing, amplification for adult patients, vestibular assessment, and tinnitus, hyperacusis evaluation and management. She currently teaches undergraduate hearing and speech courses and supervises graduate students in the clinic. VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.

Movement and exercise are two words that can be really triggering for people with chronic illnesses. You may have heard someone say to you “just exercise, you’ll feel better,” but when we take that advice from our doctors the opposite effect might happen. More often than not, picking up a new exercise routine can actually make you feel worse if your symptoms and current state of chronic illness is not considered first and foremost. Exercise CAN be used to your advantage, and you can absolutely reduce your sensitivity to movement, reduce the number of attacks you have, raise your threshold, and improve your quality of life through movement if you approach it with very specific intentions. Today we’ll talk about how and what kind of movement benefits people with vestibular dysfunction.In this episode of the ICU ("I See You") podcast, hosts Cynthia Ryan (VeDA Executive Director) and Kimberly Warner (Unfixed Media Founder & Director) discuss the challenges around movement for vestibular patients. They invite Physical Therapist Dr. Madison Oak and vestibular patient Stephanie B. Looney to discuss this topic, bringing together the patient and healthcare provider perspectives.This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.About the GuestsStephanie B. Looney is a 50 year old retired Physician Assistant (PA-C) who worked in the field of dermatology and is a mother of two teenagers. 10 years ago my husband and she visited NYC and while there she experienced a choking episode that changed the course of my life. Three days later, she was in the emergency room with head pain, nausea, and extreme dizziness. After being evaluated and misdiagnosed for over a year, she was eventually diagnosed with vestibular migraine and PPPD. Her vestibular journey has included countless procedures, numerous medications, and therapies to try to improve my symptoms.  She has wrestled with my chronic disorders both physically and psychologically, learning along the way that self-compassion and the support of others is a key part of the treatment plan.  In the last year and a half she has worked with Dr. Madison Oak, The Vertigo Doctor, who taught her the importance of movement, no matter how small, and its positive impact on the vestibular system.  Today she deals with chronic dizziness and weekly migraine attacks while trying to live a fulfilled and meaningful life.  Her life looks different now compared to before my diagnosis; however, she has learned to embrace helpful accommodations and know that she is more than just her vestibular disorder.Dr. Madison Oak is a physical therapist who specializes in treatment of Vestibular Migraine, Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness, and other vestibular disorders. Madison is the founder of Vestibular Group Fit, @thevertigodoctor, and Oak Physical Therapy & Wellness. Madison strives to provide excellent, evidence based, vestibular resources that are thorough, helpful, and actually make sense to people who have vestibular disorders.Migraine and dizziness disorders affect SO many people in the US and the world. Madison’s journey began when she was working in an NYC outpatient Physical Therapy clinic. The day she saw an incredibly nervous, acutely dizzy, Manhattan bus driver, followed by a chronically dizzy concierge home visit patient, she realized that many people who need vestibular care cannot always access the care they need. There is not enough information about dizziness, why we get dizzy, and how to treat dizziness. It’s simple, but it feels so scary and complex when you’re actually dizzy. So, she started @TheVertigoDoctor on Instagram, a telehealth clinic in 8 states addressing only vestibular disorders, and Vestibular Group Fit. Between these three, there are accessible resources for all of those who live with vestibular disorders no matter your specific situation!

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or VRT, is a specialized form of exercise-based therapy designed to alleviate both primary and secondary symptoms of vestibular disorders. VRT uses specific head, body, and eye exercises designed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the inner ear and coordinate them with information from our eyes and muscles. Physical therapists are challenged with creating a customized therapy plan for each patient. While VRT is an evidence-based approach for treating many types of vestibular problems, it’s not always the miracle-cure many patients are hoping for.In this episode of the ICU ("I See You") podcast, hosts Cynthia Ryan (VeDA Executive Director) and Kimberly Warner (Unfixed Media Founder & Director) explore what works and what doesn't when it comes to Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy. They invite Physical Therapist Matt Whitaker and vestibular patient Ashley Chin to discuss this topic, bringing together the patient and healthcare provider perspectives.This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.About the GuestsAshley Chin is from Greenville, SC. She is a former Emergency Room RN turned home baker after many medical issues, including vestibular migraine and PPPD. She enjoys baking, crafting, and really anything nerdy including Disney, Star Wars, board games, etc.  She and her husband have been married for almost 5 years, and have a sweet Wire Fox Terrier puppy named Luna. Matt Whitaker is a physical therapist with over 20 years of experience. In 1998 he earned his degree from Loma Linda University where he co-founded the vestibular rehabilitation program for the outpatient neurological clinic. He was also a guest lecturer and vestibular instructor for doctoral physical therapy students and neurology residents. For the first decade of his career, he treated patients with neurologic conditions, working in all settings including acute and ICU care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, and skilled nursing. Over the past fifteen years, he has focused on orthopedic care but remains passionate about helping patients with vestibular issues. Today, Matt is a co-owner of Evolve Physical Therapy, a clinic with two locations in the Portland metro area where he lives with his family. VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance

For many people with vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance it can take months or years to get an accurate diagnosis. Emergency room physicians rule out life-threatening conditions and refer patients to their primary care providers, who may be ill-equipped to diagnose vestibular problems or provide an appropriate specialist referral. As a result, people are often tossed back and forth between healthcare providers, many of whom provide little support or guidance, and in the end may end up with one or more inaccurate diagnoses or none at all.In this episode of the ICU ("I See You") podcast hosts Cynthia Ryan (VeDA Executive Director) and Kimberly Warner (Unfixed Media Founder & Director) explore the often long road to diagnosis that many vestibular patients must travel before they finally find out what is causing their symptoms. They invite Dr. Matthew Crowson and vestibular patient Stefanie Adams to discuss this topic, bringing together the patient and healthcare provider perspectives.This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.About the GuestsStefanie AdamsStefanie suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries and had her third concussion in 2017. As soon as she hit her head she felt off-balance and started to sway. Over the next year she developed terrible migraines and dizziness. Eventually, the migraines left, but the dizziness stayed. A year later she discovered that she had a perilymph fistula (a hole in the membrane separating the middle and inner ears) when she got the flu, blew her nose, and the room started to spin. She’s had surgery to repair the fistula and is now a VeDA Ambassador and vestibular advocate.Matthew Crowson, MD, MPA, MASc, FRCDr. Matthew Crowson is a fellowship-trained ear and skull base surgeon. His primary clinical focus is on diagnosis, medical, and surgical management of balance disorders. Dr. Crowson has been a speaker at national and international hearing & balance research meetings and has authored a textbook and numerous peer-reviewed publications in otology, neurotology and otolaryngology. He has served on the VeDA Board of Directors and Medical Advocacy Committee. He also participates in medical outreach work with prior mission trips to Western Kenya, rural Thailand, and the Canadian Arctic.--VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at vestibular.org/donateIf you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit vestibular.orgFor help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit vestibular.org/directoryIf you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at vestibular.org/membership. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.

Audiological testing can be an important step in helping doctors determine whether the inner ear is the source of a patient’s dizziness. However, if you’ve ever talked with someone who has been through the gamut of tests - it’s not exactly a picnic in the park. Many patients - already ill from symptoms and fearful of tests that can exacerbate them -  are anxious about their first audiologist appointment.This episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast covers the topic of audiological testing and the experience of vestibular patients who undergo these tests. Guests Jesus Gomez, audiologist and PhD student, joins the discussion to listen to the experiences of vestibular patient Karen Mizrach. Listen now to this thoughtful and vulnerable discussion about addressing challenges and anxieties that a vestibular patient faces going into, during, and after audiological testing. About the guests:In December of 2017, Karen woke up in the middle of the night with vertigo. After many doctor visits, tests, and treatments, the dizziness and off-balance sensations continued and it has become a chronic condition. Finally, she saw a neurologist who recognized her symptoms as Vestibular Migraine and Cervicogenic Dizziness, and this year PPPD was added to her list of conditions. The most challenging part of these disorders has been the isolation. Karen is divorced with grown children who don’t live close by. Living alone and having to quit her job teaching made this challenge all the more difficult. Finding VeDA was a game-changer! She now feels connected to people who understand and are supportive. Karen has become a VeDA volunteer to give back to the community that has made a difference in her life.Jesus Gomez is an audiologist and first-year Ph.D. student in the vestibular sciences lab at James Madison University. He received his B.S in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Virginia and Doctorate of Audiology from the University of Tennessee, where his interest in vestibular science began under the direction of Dr. Steven Doettl and strengthened during his 4th-year externship at the Cleveland Clinic with Dr. Julie Honaker. His interests are in electrophysiology and vestibular sciences, where he is currently under the mentorship of Drs. Erin Piker and Chris Clinard. His overarching goal is to become a bilingual clinician scientist serving both Spanish and English speaking populations. Hosts:Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/ Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/ This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.  VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/ If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/ For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/ If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/

Anyone who has ever experienced vestibular dysfunction will tell you, vestibular symptoms are hard to describe. It can be difficult to explain the difference between symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, spinning, disequilibrium, and more. Factors like acute symptoms and anxiety can make it even harder to paint a clear picture for your healthcare provider.  In this episode, vestibular patient Joy Holten and medical student Marcus Paoletti discuss this issue and provide insight into how your symptoms can be best communicated to your physician. About the guests: Marcus Paoletti is a second-year medical student at Keck School of Medicine, USC. Before that, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he received a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. He became interested in otolaryngology and healthcare related to the head and neck early in his training due to the complexity of the region’s anatomy and vital importance of these structures. He is also the co-president of the otolaryngology student interest group at his medical school. Joy Holten is a 48-year-old mother of 2 who lives in Austin, TX. In 2018 she began experiencing constant dizziness after an infection. For 3 years she suffered daily symptoms but was still able to work from home. In 2021 that all changed. When her symptoms went from bad to worse she visited the ER 5 times. She was finally forced to take medical leave. Eventually, she found Dr. Shin Bey, one of the leading “dizzy” neurologists in the county, who diagnosed her with Vestibular Migraine and PPPD. Since then, Joy co-founded a YouTube series called “Finding Joy in your Vestibular Journey” and hosts a Zoom support group for fellow vestibular sufferers. Hosts: Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) https://vestibular.org/  Kimberly Warner, Founder and Director of Unfixed Media https://unfixedmedia.com/ This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. ----- VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at https://vestibular.org/donate/ If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit https://vestibular.org/ For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit https://vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/ If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at https://vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals/professional-membership/. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.