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.

physical activity intensity, scaling and pacing, activity pacing, scaling physical activity, vestibular disorder management, chronic dizziness, living with vestibular disorder, migraine attacks, nervous system regulation, exercises to improve balance, return to walking, driving with vestibular disorder, vestibular exercises

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

importance of nutrition, functional nutrition, nutrition and lifestyle, living with vestibular migraine, diet and nutrition, treatment for vestibular disorders, diet for vestibular migraine, food and diet for vestibular disorder, migraine management, chronic dizziness, PPPD, vestibular group fit

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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vestibular medication, medication for vestibular disorder, placebo and nocebo effect, side effects, vestibular migraine, VM, vestibular disorders, chronic dizziness, mindset and the nocebo effect, increased anxiety and depression, nervous system and dizziness, vestibular group fit, migraine management, compounding pharmacies

Today, we’re talking shoes. Specifically, the best shoes for you if you have chronic dizziness or balance problems. (If you caught my viral Hoka video back in April, you already know I have thoughts.)

But I need you to know this… it was never really about Hoka. It’s about understanding what’s actually going on with your shoes when you have a vestibular disorder and why that matters more than any brand name ever will.

I’m breaking down the anatomy of a shoe (from toe box to heel drop) so you can stop Googling “best shoe for dizziness” and just know what to look for. Because the best shoe is the one that works for your feet, your symptoms, and your life. Full stop.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Your shoes are touching the ground so YOU don’t have to think about it, so let’s make sure they’re actually working how they need to for you.

If you have questions about this or you want support as you explore the best possible shoe for you, join us in Vestibular Group Fit (use code GROUNDED)!

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

Citation

Jellema, A. H., Huysmans, T., Hartholt, K., & van der Cammen, T. J. M. (2019). Shoe design for older adults: Evidence from a systematic review on the elements of optimal footwear. Maturitas, 127, 64–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.06.002

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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shoes for balance problems, exercises for vestibular disorders, living with vestibular migraine, vertigo, bppv, pppd, guidelines of physical activity, anxiety and depression, chronic dizziness, balance issues, anatomy of a shoe, toe box, rocker angle, sole firmness, cushioning, tread, heel bevel, heel drop

This is my personal favorite topic, but probably your least favorite: strength training. 

Before you run away, hear me out! Because whether you’re bed-bound, housebound, or just convinced your body can’t handle it right now, this episode is for you.

I’m breaking down exactly WHY resistance and strength training isn’t just helpful for vestibular disorders—it’s essential. 

From the dizzy-anxious-dizzy cycle to blood sugar regulation to better sleep to reduced inflammation, strength training touches virtually every struggle vestibular warriors face. I’m not letting anyone off the hook, but I am meeting you exactly where you are.

Starting with 3 minutes? That counts. 

Walking to the mailbox and back? That counts too. 

Because the goal here is progress, not perfection.

And you know I have the science to back every single word of it!

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Whether you start with 3 minutes or 30, the most important thing is that you start. Because your vestibular system, your mood, your balance, and your future self are all counting on it.

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

Citations:

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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strength and resistance training, exercises for vestibular disorders, living with vestibular migraine, guidelines of physical activity, anxiety and depression, chronic dizziness, couch bound, bed bound, dizzy-anxious-dizzy cycle, physical therapist

Vision therapy and prism lenses are so misunderstood. For starters, vision therapy isn’t about how clearly you can see. 

It’s about how your eyes work together to send information to your brain and how your brain is actually using that information.

And for a lot of people dealing with vestibular conditions or TBI, this is a game-changer that often gets overlooked. This is one of those topics that doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the vestibular space, and it’s time to change that!

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

It can be tough to find the right treatments, but remember—if a treatment doesn’t work, you are not failing anything. It just wasn’t the right option for you.

If you have questions about this or you want support as you explore vision therapy and prism lenses, join us in Vestibular Group Fit (use code GROUNDED)! (We have hours of interviews with specialists inside the membership.)

Links Mentioned:

Citations:

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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vision therapy, vision therapy and chronic dizziness, vision therapy and vertigo, vestibular group fit, living with vestibular migraine, optometrist, occupational therapist, prism lenses, chronic dizziness, Binocular Vision Dysfunction, therapy for vestibular disorders

Triggering. Controversial. Frustrating.

Today, we’re talking about foods that trigger Vestibular Migraine.

As a person who does not have a vestibular disorder, I’m confident I can give you an objective answer for this.

For some, there are foods that always trigger a migraine attack. For others, there’s a bit of a gray zone—some foods that sometimes trigger a migraine attack. And still others may find that food isn’t a contributing factor to their threshold.

Where do you fall and what’s your best course of action? Tune in!

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

If you have questions about this or you want to start working on building a bigger bucket so you can start adding foods back into your diet, join us in Vestibular Group Fit (use code GROUNDED)!

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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migraine trigger foods, common migraine trigger foods, migraine headache trigger foods, vestibular group fit, living with vestibular migraine, migraine theory threshold, prodrome food craving, caffeine and migraine, alcohol and migraine, histamine intolerance, reduce inflammation

If you’re struggling with brain fog, you’re probably wondering what you can do about it.

Today, I’m sharing some things that can help support your body in this season.

Of course, talk with your doctor first. And, as with anything, start slow and work your way up.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

I talked a lot about getting back to basics. If you’d like support to understand and implement the basics, join us in Vestibular Group Fit for guidance! (Use code GROUNDED at checkout)

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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dealing with brain fog, help for brain fog, 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, bucket theory, migraine toolkit, balance blood sugar

We do SO much inside Vestibular Group Fit! So much that I’m not even sure how to talk about it half the time.

For example… we have a book club! We recently read The Way Out. 

It’s a book by Alan Gordon about chronic pain, which parallels a lot of useful concepts to look at chronic dizziness. 

So many members in VGF love this book and when they first read it go “WOW I feel seen!” So… let’s talk about it.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

This is a great book that explains a nuanced topic very well in easy-to-read language, and has many parallels to dizziness that makes this a great resource for anyone with a vestibular disorder!

I get a ton of people wondering if they’ll be able to travel or drive or [insert your activity here] again.

The answer is always and consistently: YES.

The thing you have to note is that it will take time, consistency, and the right tools.

VGF member, Diana, was able to take an 8-day trip out-of-the-country! 

Grab the tools she and hundreds of other members have used to get back to the things they so desperately wanted to.

Now is the perfect time because we’re running a 30% off sale for my birthday (ends May 12th) 🎉 

(just use the link—no code should be needed)

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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book club, book review, the way out book, vestibular group fit, vestibular disorders, get back to travel, living with a vestibular disorder, mindset shifts, migraine toolkit, chronic pain, chronic dizziness, pain reprocessing theory, PPPD, manage vestibular disorder