In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT are joined by Dr. Katherine Deines, PT, NCS and Dr. Jaimy Wahab, PT, NCS, also known as the Neuro Dizzy Duo, for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked parts of the vestibular system: the otolith organs.

While many people associate vertigo and dizziness with the semicircular canals and spinning sensations, this episode explores how the utricle and saccule help us sense gravity, acceleration, head position, vertical orientation, and linear movement. The conversation highlights why otolith dysfunction may contribute to symptoms such as rocking, swaying, bobbing, feeling pulled or pushed, floating, walking on marshmallows, disorientation, and feeling “off.”

The guests also explain how otolith dysfunction may show up in conditions such as BPPV, vestibular migraine, PPPD/3PD, Mal de Débarquement Syndrome, concussion, dysautonomia, POTS, Parkinson’s disease, and other complex vestibular presentations.

This episode is especially helpful for vestibular clinicians, physical therapists, audiologists, patients with chronic dizziness, and anyone trying to better understand why dizziness is not always “spinning.”

Episode Resources:

Where to find The Dizzy Duo on Instagram: @neuro_dizzy_duo

Email address:  [email protected]

Courses, publications, or resources:

• Their Positive Spin on Dizziness advanced vestibular courses cover many lesser discussed topics:

•  otolith dysfunction

• the difference between vestibular dysfunction and hypersensitivity

•  visual motion hypersensitivity

• Vestibular Migraine

• Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

• Meniere’s disease

• https://www.reactiveeducation.com/store

Hosted by:

🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS

🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

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Episode Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction
01:36 – Jaimy's introduction
03:28 – Katherine’s introduction
06:38 – Why otolith organs are often overlooked
07:04 – What the otolith organs are and how they work
09:21 – Why dizziness is not always spinning
12:38 – Conditions linked to otolith dysfunction
16:42 – Otoliths, dysautonomia, POTS, and concussion
21:28 – Understanding linear vertigo and non-spinning dizziness
22:23 – How clinicians assess otolith function
25:14 – Why patient descriptions matter
27:28 – Using weights to help patients feel grounded
30:16 – Individualizing vestibular rehab treatment
31:37 – Head tilts, balance, and otolith-based exercises
35:22 – How much weight may help without overdoing it
39:52 – Vibration plates, BPPV, and vestibular concerns
42:15 – Avoiding overreliance on tools and strategies
44:33 – Astronauts, gravity, and otolith function
46:28 – Key takeaways for vestibular clinicians
52:05 – Key takeaways for patients with dizziness
53:21 – Final thoughts and closing