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.

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