Patient Perspective

A person with vestibular dysfunction is easily fatigued when sorting out vision and balance signals in expansive areas, even those that are quiet and calm. This effort becomes daunting in noisy and busy environments such as in large “box” stores, at crowded sporting events, in theaters, or even while navigating city sidewalks with other pedestrians. Such conditions make it difficult for a person to rely on visual clues about balance and movement because everything is moving, lighting isn’t ideal, and stable anchors such as walls are far away. A few simple can help you be more prepared when you cannot avoid crowded spaces.

Do you avoid dining out because public restaurants trigger your vestibular symptoms? Eating out is supposed to be fun, but no one is laughing when you have to leave early because you’ve become dizzy, nauseated, and can’t think straight. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to have date night again. Read on!

It's not all in your head Dealing with a chronic illness or medical condition goes far beyond the physiological and medical challenges it poses. Chronic illness can strain your view of yourself, your relationships, your

It is common knowledge that seniors are at a higher risk for falls, but did you know that anyone – even teens – can suffer a devastating fall as a result of vestibular dysfunction?

Visual sensitivity from vestibular disorders can be exaggerated when a person uses a computer monitor or watches television.

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.

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

Keep up-to-date on new and developing topics in the vestibular community. Join VeDA’s mailing list to receive our monthly e-newsletter, with links to original articles and patient stories, and stay connected via social media.

VeDA exists for you and because of you. We are a non-profit organization supported entirely by your gifts. You can help people like you learn to live a life-rebalanced.

Vestibular disorders are misunderstood. You can advance vestibular research by participating in clinical trials and sharing your medical history through VeDA’s Patient Registry.

The friends and family members who care for vestibular patients provide essential support. Without firsthand experience, these individuals are challenged to learn about vestibular disorders in order to lessen the impacts of their loved one’s illness. VeDA seeks to focus attention on this important part of our vestibular community and to support their efforts.

Vestibular Impairment & Military Service While vestibular disorders can affect individuals of any age, background, or profession, military personnel are exposed to unique circumstances that can put them at risk for certain types of inner