For many people who have a vestibular disorder, a trip to the grocery store can turn into a battle with dizziness. The bright lights, rows of shelves, patterns on the floor, and crowds of people can trigger symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and light-headedness. Bending down or turning your head to scan for the items you need. All this can take a lot of energy to navigate. Visually induced dizziness is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms. It can also be referred to as visual vertigo, space and motion discomfort, supermarket syndrome or visual vestibular mismatch. Researchers think it is caused by a conflict between different parts of the brain’s balance system. In this episode of the ICU podcast, we’re going to talk to Elizabeth, who struggles with visual disturbances as a result of her vestibular disorder, and Dr. Morgan Kriz, a physical therapist who specializes in treating this condition.

Elizabeth Schneider has been living with a Vestibular Disorder for 21 years. She was first diagnosed at age 36, when she lost her balance and experienced severe visual disturbances. She had to retire from her job as a Registered Nurse because she could no longer work due to her vestibular symptoms. Elizabeth knows what it’s like to struggle with career, money problems, and family stress, especially when you first get sick. Like many of you, she had to navigate through the medical system to get help, which is a taxing effort at best. She decided to become a VeDA Ambassador to bring awareness to this diagnosis and to help others get the help they need!

Dr. Morgan Kriz has been practicing vestibular physical therapy for more than 10 years. She understands the journey that many vestibular warriors endure to get a proper diagnosis, obtain a supportive care team, and feel like they are on the right track to get their lives back. She is co-owner of Vestibular Therapy Specialists, with clinics in Seattle, WA and Bend, OR, where she resides with her family. She is also a consultant for Blue Marble Gaming Company, which is developing online home programs and protocols for Vestibular Rehabilitation. She’s a content creator and presenter for Vestibular IQ, a Continuing Education Platform for healthcare providers, and the volunteer director for a support group series called “Boost Your Brain’s Balance.”