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 Bios
Dr. Charles Della Santina, MD, PhD
Dr. 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 McKinney
Donna 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 #MakeVestibularVi

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/disability

This 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.pdf

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.