If you’ve been to a million and one doctors and still don’t have a clear diagnosis—you are not alone, and you are not crazy. 

Dizziness is notoriously undertreated, and a lot of providers just don’t like dealing with it. 

So in this episode, I’m giving you a comprehensive resource guide: which providers to see, what to ask when you call, and what tests are available so you’re better prepared for what you’re walking into.

This is the episode I wish existed when people first started experiencing dizziness. Share it and save it so you can refer back to it. 

And remember, finding the right provider can make all the difference! A willing-to-learn provider beats a dismissive expert every single time.

Getting the right diagnosis starts with knowing who to see, what to ask, and what to expect. And now, you have a roadmap to help you get started.

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

dizziness diagnosis, vestibular migraine, living with vestibular disorder, ENT, neurotologist, otologist, chronic dizziness, medical provider, vestibular disorder diagnosis, vestibular disorder treatment, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, vestibular group fit, occupational therapist, neuro-optometrist, vertigo

“Progesterone will hold up the mirror for you and show you about your habits. Estrogen is forgiving—progesterone is not.”

For so many women with vestibular disorders, symptoms get dramatically worse right before their period or around ovulation, and the answer they’re usually given is “take birth control” or “drink more water.” 

That, of course, is not enough. I brought in Dr. Saru Bala, Naturopathic Doctor and Women’s Hormonal Health Specialist, to break it all down. Get ready to nerd out on all things hormones!

In this episode, we’re talking about what hormones actually are, how your cycle phases impact your vestibular symptom, why your liver is way more important than you think, the estrogen-histamine-MCAS loop, and what bloodwork you should be asking for.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

If you take nothing else away from this, remember your hormones, liver, gut, and nervous system are all talking to each other. When you start supporting them, things are able to start changing.

Dr. Saru Bala is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. Prior to attending medical school, she graduated from University of Texas at Austin where she received her bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology. She’s done extra training in women’s health and naturopathic endocrinology and wants to talk to you about all things women’s health.

Connect w/ Dr Saru Bala

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

hormonal health, women’s health, naturopathic doctor, vestibular migraine, chronic dizziness, birth control, vestibular disorders, PMDD, what is optimal bloodwork, optimal lab values, thyroid panel, lifestyle changes, period problems, understand your period, gut liver and hormone connection

Having a list or “menu” of ideas for what to do on those higher symptom days can be helpful to have before you actually need it.

This could be a time when you’re riding out an attack and looking for things to do that are gentle but stimulating to help pass the time. 

Of course, what will be the best fit will depend on the person and the symptoms on a given day.

Save this episode to come back to because I’m walking through a whole list of low-demand activities that can be enjoyable on higher symptom days.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Having a list of things your brain already trusts on a hard day isn’t just self care, it’s part of your toolkit.

Links Mentioned:

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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Vestibular disorders (particularly vestibular migraine) and POTS are often talked about in our practice and in Vestibular Group Fit as they overlap quite a bit.

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the most common co-occurring conditions I see in my practice alongside vestibular migraine: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome).

I’m also introducing something called the pentad super syndrome (almost every single person I see in my clinic has all five). You’ll learn what it is and what I believe is missing from the list.

Discover everything from how POTS is diagnosed, to helpful resources, and why your basics matter more than ever when you’re managing both POTS and vestibular disorders at the same time.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

The good news is that the toolkit for your vestibular disorder and your POTS have a LOT of overlap, which means you’re already building the right foundation.

Related Episodes:

Links Mentioned:

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

POTS and vestibular disorders, vestibular migraine, histamine and MCAS, chronic dizziness, PPPD, nervous system regulation for vestibular migraine, migraine management, stress relief, vestibular disorders, vestibular group fit, nervous system regulation, vestibular disorder treatment

You’ve probably heard the words ‘biofeedback’ and ‘neurofeedback’ floating around the internet. And you’re also probably wondering what they mean and if they’re worth your time and money when you have a vestibular disorder.

I’m answering all of that in this episode!

Biofeedback is a type of mind-body technique to control some of the body’s function. And neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that measures and records brainwaves. As always, I’ve got research and scenarios for us to talk through to help this really land.

They’re probably not the first thing you want to invest in and there are even less expensive options that are equally or more effective which I share more about in the episode.

Buckle up and let’s get a little nerdy with this one!

If you want to go even deeper with what you heard in this episode, we have coaching calls specifically about biofeedback and neurofeedback available in Vestibular Group Fit.

Biofeedback is a tool, not a cure. But if you’re curious, informed, and financially comfortable exploring it, it absolutely can have a place in your vestibular toolkit.

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

biofeedback and neurofeedback, biofeedback vs neurofeedback, vestibular group fit, VGF, vestibular disorders, chronic dizziness, PPPD, nervous system regulation, migraine management, stress relief, alternative therapies, holistic approach, living with vestibular migraine, living with vertigo, migraine toolkit, vestibular disorder treatment

One thing that a lot of people with vestibular disorders notice is how fatiguing or challenging different tasks become over time. 

What’s happening is your brain is trying to process multiple inputs (or even tasks) at the same time. 

For those with vestibular disorders, it becomes more difficult because your body is trying to process more information—and it’s also now having to work double time to keep you upright.

Multitasking and task switching are a part of daily life, but it comes with costs. And those with vestibular disorders often notice this more but aren’t quite sure how to make it go away.

But this episode is here to help!

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Task switching and multitasking are hard for everyone! A vestibular disorder just adds an extra layer—it doesn’t mean things can’t improve, but it does take time, space, and grace.

You’re doing more things than you think and certainly doing more than you take credit for.

Links Mentioned:

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Citations 

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task switching and multitasking, things to help with brain fog, vestibular migraine brain fog, what causes brain fog and dizziness, vestibular disorders, vestibular group fit, living with vestibular migraine, living with chronic dizziness, sensory overload, spatial awareness, cognitive abilities

Heading somewhere with a big elevation change? Good news! Most people living with vestibular disorders actually do really well at altitude. But that doesn’t mean you just show up unprepared and hope for the best.

In this episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about navigating altitude changes with a vestibular disorder. 

From quick pressure shifts like takeoff and landing, to extended stays at higher elevations, I’m sharing what to keep on standby, what to avoid, and why slower adjustments make all the difference.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Altitude changes don’t have to derail your trip! With the right prep, the right toolkit, and a slower ascent, you absolutely can enjoy the mountain tops.

Links Mentioned:

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Citations

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vertigo and altitude changes, altitude and vertigo, travel and vestibular disorders, vestibular group fit, VGF, living with vestibular disorder, weather & vestibular disorder, change in pressure, inner ear, manage migraine, weatherx earplanes, meniere’s disease, nervous system regulation, chronic dizziness, PPPD

If you’ve ever tried to do too much, crashed hard, and then felt like you were back at square one—this episode is for you. I’m talking about two of the most important concepts we teach in Vestibular Group Fit: scaling and pacing.

It cannot be stressed enough how important this is and how much we talk about it in VGF.

Scaling and pacing aren’t about doing less forever. They’re about building capacity strategically so you can eventually do MORE without paying for it for days afterward.

I’m walking you through real-life examples of how to scale movement, exercise routines, walking, driving, and other daily activities — plus what to do on higher symptom days and post-attack so you can recover faster and get back to living your life.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Whether it’s exercise, grocery shopping, driving, or attending your nephew’s graduation—the same principles apply. Scaling and pacing are skills. As with any skill, it takes time, practice, and a whole lot of grace and patience with yourself.

Links Mentioned:

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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I recently got a certificate in functional nutrition and I have thoughts. Starting with the fact that staying hydrated and fueling your body with nutrients will be—not can be, will be—a game-changer for your vestibular disorder.

In this episode, I’m breaking down something that comes up over and over again in Vestibular Group Fit: how much what you eat (and drink!) actually matters when you have a vestibular disorder.

This isn’t about going on a perfect diet or never eating processed foods again. It’s about understanding how blood sugar regulation, hydration, inflammation, gut health, and hormones are all connected to your dizziness. And what small, manageable steps you can take to start feeling better.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

You don’t have to eat perfectly! You just have to start somewhere because the better your nutrition and hydration are, the better you will feel.

Links Mentioned:

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Citations

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If you’ve ever started a new medication and immediately felt worse—you’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone. 

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most common and most frustrating experiences in the vestibular world: medication sensitivity. And more importantly, what to actually do about it.

I’m breaking down why so many people with vestibular disorders struggle to tolerate new medications, how to wean on and off gradually to give yourself the best shot at success, and why going slow is actually the fastest way to feel better. We’re also talking about the nocebo effect—because what you expect from a medication can literally shape what you experience.

Plus, I’m making a case for the most underutilized resource in your healthcare team: your pharmacist. Seriously, use them. They know things your doctor might miss.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Starting a new medication doesn’t feel like as much of a gamble when you know how to prepare, advocate for yourself, and you go slow. Following these tips, you give yourself the very best shot at finally feeling better.

Related Episodes:

Links Mentioned:

Free Resources:

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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