A blow to the head can do more than cause a concussion—it can disrupt the delicate systems that control balance, vision, and spatial awareness. In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore vestibular concussion: what it is, why it’s often overlooked, and how it can leave people feeling dizzy, disoriented, and disconnected from their surroundings. Our guests break down how the vestibular system is affected by head injury, why symptoms like vertigo, brain fog, and visual sensitivity can linger, and what recovery can look like with the right care. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or clinician, this conversation sheds light on an often misunderstood consequence of concussion and offers hope for healing through targeted support and rehabilitation.

Guests

Jess Winter is a school librarian with a background in teaching journalism and a deep passion for finding, organizing, and sharing information. After experiencing a concussion, Jess developed ongoing vestibular challenges, including vestibular migraine and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), which have shaped both her personal journey and her commitment to supporting others. She holds a Master’s degree in Library Science and is especially interested in pursuing work as a medical librarian, combining her love of research with a desire to help people navigate complex health information. Jess also supports VeDa through the annual Poetry-4-Balance contest and has led poetry writing for social hour.

Dr. Danit Macklin, PT, DPT specializes in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation, holding certificates from the APTA in both pediatric and adult vestibular rehabilitation and certification as an Impact Trained Physical Therapist. She has served as faculty for the annual APTA Pediatric Vestibular Competency Conference and is a course instructor for Education Resources Inc. (ERI), where she teaches Leading-Edge Approaches for Concussion and Mild TBI Management: Applications for Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment. Dr. Macklin is the owner of Balance & Concussion Therapy Center, a private practice exclusively dedicated to concussion and vestibular rehabilitation. She serves on the BIANJ Concussion Committee, is the founder and chair of the APTANJ Vestibular Special Interest Group, and founded Concussion Awareness Day in New Jersey. She recently joined the International Neurologic Physiotherapy Association and is actively engaged with its vestibular special interest group.