So, you’ve been diagnosed with “General Vestibulopathy.” Is it a meaningful or a worthless diagnosis? What does it mean and what do you do from here?
I recently saw WM, an established patient of mine who was doing quite well, for an annual follow up visit. Thinking back on her story reminded me of the importance of receiving a correct diagnosed when you have an inner ear problem.
Dizziness can be caused by a dysfunction in the peripheral vestibular system (the labyrinth of the inner ear, and the pathways/nerves connecting to the brainstem) or the central vestibular system (the brain and brainstem). This article provides an overview of how to differentiate peripheral from central vestibular disorders.
WHAT ARE ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS? Online support groups meet in real-time via video conference. Why Online? Many patients cannot leave their homes or do not have a local support group available. An online support group
VeDA partners with the Journal of Vestibular Research and Barany Society to keep you up-to-date on the latest research in vestibular medicine.
Have you ever wondered if vestibular disorders and their symptoms are influenced by the environment? Recent work has demonstrated that the symptoms of common vestibular disorders may be linked with certain environmental factors, such as atmospheric pressure changes and allergies.
Raising Awareness In Your Local Community Is there a health fair or other local event where you have the opportunity to set up an information table? Sharing information about vestibular disorders and VeDA with the
Many patients who experience dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and other symptoms that accompany a vestibular disorder feel lost, confused, frustrated, and overwhelmed by the lack of understanding prevalent among their family, friends, and coworkers, and even the medical community. You are not alone! Vestibular disorders are real, medical conditions. You may have been told that your symptoms are all in your head – they are not! Vestibular disorders are underdiagnosed and undertreated. Many patients visit multiple healthcare practitioners over months or even years before they receive an accurate diagnosis. We can help you learn about your condition so that you can be an advocate for your own healthcare. Our provider directory will help you find qualified vestibular specialists who can diagnose you and provide effective treatment.
Become your own healthcare advocate. The more you know, the better you can communicate with your healthcare provider. VeDA’s scientific articles can help you understand the causes of dizziness, how vestibular disorders are diagnosed, how your vision system is connected to your vestibular (inner ear) system, and what are the different types of vestibular disorders.
Now that you have some understanding of vestibular disorders you can begin to apply that knowledge to your own condition. Use VeDA’s Patient Tracking Tools to collect information about your unique healthcare history. This will be tremendously helpful to you and your doctor as you uncover the mystery of your vestibular diagnosis.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the key to finding effective treatment and getting on the road to recovery. But where do you start? Learn more about the various specialists who diagnose vestibular disorders, and find a qualified healthcare provider in your area.
Vestibular disorders come with a host of concurrent symptoms, including physical and emotional fatigue, brain fog, and nausea. A holistic healthcare plan addresses all these issues.
Learn more about how to deal with the cognitive and emotional impacts of vestibular disorders, as well as secondary symptoms like nausea and tinnitus. Develop strategies to deal with stress and fatigue, and learn to adapt your diet to avoid triggers.
You are not alone. Millions of people experience vestibular dysfunction. By sharing with others, your own experience is validated, which can give you hope, as well as useful tools for coping with the daily impacts of a chronic illness.
Find out more about:
– In-person and online support groups
– VeDA’s online forum
– Support for your family and friends