ICU - "I See You" - Vestibular Conversations

On this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore the emerging—and deeply relatable—connection between blood glucose regulation and vestibular migraine, a topic gaining attention across migraine, neurology, and nutrition research. Joining us are Dr. Kyle Bills, co-author of a recent paper examining glucose dynamics in vestibular migraine, and Rachel Weaver, author of Dizzy: A Memoir, who brings her l...

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 i...

In this episode of the ICU podcast, we’re exploring CANVAS —short for cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome—a rare, progressive neurological condition that disrupts the very systems our bodies rely on to stay balanced and oriented. CANVAS affects the cerebellum, sensory nerves, and inner ear balance system all at once, creating a “triple hit” that can lead to unsteadines...

In today’s episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore the fascinating connection between gut health and vestibular disorders—and why taking care of your digestive system might be an overlooked piece of your wellness puzzle. What happens in your gut doesn’t always stay in your gut: when the lining of the intestine becomes compromised, it can lead to systemic inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and an...

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore how humor and gratitude can become powerful tools for coping with chronic vestibular disorders. Living with dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance can often feel isolating and overwhelming—but laughter and thankfulness can help restore balance to both body and mind. Research shows that humor can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, boost immune fun...

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore the powerful relationship between the mind and body—and how that connection can be both disrupted and harnessed in life with a vestibular disorder. From the ways stress and anxiety can amplify dizziness to the grounding effects of mindfulness, movement, and self-compassion, we’ll discuss the science and lived experience behind mind-body healing. Throu...

Welcome to this episode of the ICU Podcast, where we shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked world of vestibular migraine, a condition that affects more than half of all migraine sufferers at some point yet remains frequently misdiagnosed. Vestibular migraine can cause not only headaches but also vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and sensory sensitivities—making it a formidable challenge for both p...

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore how yoga can be a powerful, complementary tool for improving balance in people with vestibular disorders. Vestibular conditions disrupt the delicate interplay between the inner ear, vision, and somatosensory systems, often leading to dizziness, instability, and compensatory stiffness. Yoga offers a gentle, embodied pathway to re-train balance by engag...

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we’re diving into the concept of pacing —a vital self-management strategy for people living with vestibular disorders. When dizziness, vertigo, brain fog, and fatigue are part of your daily reality, even routine activities can become overwhelming. We’ll explore how pacing helps individuals with vestibular dysfunction conserve energy, manage sensory overload, and...

In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we’ll discuss how the brain interacts with the body and the specialized type of healthcare provider who studies this interaction. Chiropractic neurology, also known as functional neurology, is a specialty that branches from the traditional chiropractic methods. You might think of a conventional chiropractor as someone who performs manual adjustments on the neck...

In today’s ICU episode, we’re exploring an important and often overlooked topic: how menopause can impact people living with a vestibular disorder. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the inner ear and brain function, often intensifying symptoms like dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, and migraines. For those already managing a vestibular condition, this transition can bring new challenges...

Welcome to the ICU podcast, where we illuminate invisible chronic illnesses and the people who live with them. In this episode, we’re spotlighting Balance Awareness Week, an annual event hosted by the Vestibular Disorders Association each September. This global campaign raises awareness about the impact of vestibular disorders—conditions that affect balance, dizziness, and spatial orientation—and...

In this episode, we’re diving into a crucial yet often overlooked part of vestibular recovery: sleep. If you’re dealing with vestibular dysfunction, getting high-quality sleep isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a vital part of healing. When you're well-rested, your body is better equipped to handle treatment and manage symptoms. On the flip side, sleep deprivation can actually trigger or worsen d...

In this episode we explore the power of storytelling and the profound impact it can have on making sense of our lives. Our guests are a memoir expert and our very own co-host, Kimberly Warner. You don’t have to consider yourself a writer to gain something valuable from this conversation. We’ll delve into the stories that shape us, how we find meaning in them, and the transformative potential of sh...

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness. That’s a mouthful! No wonder we call it PPPD! This relatively new vestibular diagnosis helps explain why some people continue to experience vestibular symptoms when test results are normal. PPPD typically starts shortly after an event that causes acute vertigo, dizziness, or some other disruption of balance, but it may also occur for unknown reasons. PPPD...

Did you know that vestibular disorders affect children as well as adults? There are increasing reports of vestibular deficits in children. One study suggests that as many as 1 in 5 children in the United States have problems with dizziness or balance. Pediatric vestibular disorders result in vertigo, gaze instability, delayed motor development, and problems with reading. These symptoms are difficu...

In today’s episode of the ICU Podcast, we’re going to talk about brain fog. It kind of sounds like some sort of weather pattern. What is brain fog, and why do so many vestibular patients experience it? Some people describe it as forgetfulness, confusion, a lack of focus, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, or just a vague sense of blurry thinking, like your head is in the clouds. When th...

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 dizzi...

In this episode we’re going to talk about silence. The silence that happens when you lose your hearing. Whether it comes on all of a sudden or gradually, losing your hearing is a life changer. It starts when you have to ask your friends and family to repeat what they just said. Eventually you stop asking, and you begin to feel separate, apart, not included in the conversation. Although there is no...

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 de...

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 c...

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...

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...

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...

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...