LRL Recordings & Transcripts 2025

Life Rebalanced Live 2025

Recordings and Transcripts Package

 

(These videos and transcripts are for personal use only and may not be redistributed.)

 

Beyond Medication: Exploring Alternative Treatments for Vestibular Migraine

Managing vestibular migraines often requires a holistic approach that goes beyond medication, focusing on lifestyle modifications and complementary therapies. Stress management, sleep hygiene, and identifying dietary triggers or adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can significantly reduce symptoms. Supplements like magnesium and riboflavin may provide additional support. Exercise and movement therapies, such as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), improve balance and coordination, while practices like yoga, acupuncture, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help address physical and mental well-being. Tools like vagus nerve stimulation and ergonomic adjustments offer innovative options for symptom relief. Together, these strategies empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition.

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Thriving in the Real World: Strategies for Navigating Visually Overwhelming Environments with Vestibular Dysfunction

Navigating visually overwhelming environments can be challenging for individuals with vestibular dysfunction due to sensory mismatch, where the brain struggles to reconcile visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive inputs. Common triggers include crowded spaces, scrolling screens, and fluorescent lighting, often linked to diagnoses like vestibular migraine or persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). Practical strategies include using tinted glasses, pacing activities, and pre-planning for events like driving, traveling, or social gatherings. Mind-body techniques, such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindful focus, can help reduce symptoms in the moment, empowering patients to confidently manage these challenges.

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The Power of Neuroplasticity in Vestibular Care & Treatment

Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize in response to changes—plays a critical role in vestibular care, enabling the recovery of balance and coordination after injury or dysfunction. By leveraging the mind-body connection, treatment focuses on exercises that promote habituation (reducing sensitivity to dizziness) or substitution (developing alternative pathways for balance). Repetition and consistency are essential for reinforcing these adaptations, while early intervention maximizes recovery potential, particularly in acute cases where the brain’s adaptability is highest. For chronic conditions, tailored strategies help manage symptoms and improve quality of life over time.

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Addressing Root Causes for Improved Vestibular Health and Wellness

Effective vestibular care goes beyond masking symptoms with medication, focusing instead on identifying and addressing root causes of issues like vertigo, which is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Potential underlying causes include dietary imbalances, hormonal shifts, mental health challenges, or environmental factors such as toxins or allergens. A multidisciplinary approach—combining medical treatment with holistic strategies like nutritional adjustments, stress management, and lifestyle modifications—can lead to more sustainable wellness. Empowering patients through self-advocacy and education encourages active participation in their care, promoting long-term vestibular health and improved quality of life.

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Empowering Vestibular Patients through Technology: Telehealth, Innovations, and Accessibility

Telehealth has revolutionized vestibular care by providing remote access to qualified providers through digital platforms, eliminating the need for commuting, especially for those with mobility or balance issues. It enhances accessibility, offering virtual consultations, symptom tracking, and personalized care plans. Apps and online tools empower patients by facilitating symptom management, delivering educational resources, and supporting self-care routines. By leveraging technology, patients can access resources, connect with specialists, and achieve better outcomes, even in challenging circumstances.

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Hosts

Drs. Abbie Ross and Liz Fuemmeler facilitate the "fireside chat" discussions with our healthcare experts, and vestibular patients, Heather Davies and Hollie Smith, moderate the patient panels.

Dr. Liz Fuemmeler

Liz Fuemmeler, AuD, CCC/A, FAAA
Professional Hearing Center, Interacoustics

Bio

Dr. Fuemmeler provides comprehensive vestibular audiology testing for concussion patients. Her extensive experience with this patient group provides invaluable expertise. Her comprehensive testing allows for accurate diagnostics to aid in planning clinical treatment. She provides detailed reports and fantastic communication both with her team as well as with vestibular therapists in the community.

Abbie Ross headshot

Abbie Ross, PT, DPT, NCS
Balancing Act Rehabilitation

Bio

Dr. Abbie Ross is a physical therapist with board-certification in neurologic rehabilitation, which includes the evaluation and treatment of vestibular and balance dysfunction. She obtained her BA in Biology from Le Moyne College and her doctorate degree in physical therapy from Upstate Medical University, both located in Syracuse, NY. With countless hours of additional training in the management of symptoms associated with vestibular dysfunction, including the Vestibular Competency Course presented by Duke University School of Medicine & the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), her passion is empowering people on their vestibular journey to regain control of their life by learning how to effectively manage symptoms.

 

In 2018, Dr. Ross founded one of the first virtual physical therapy practices in the nation and continues to provide one-on-one vestibular rehabilitation services. Expanding Balancing Act’s services, she teamed up with Dr. Danielle Tolman to create a podcast/YouTube series called “Talk Dizzy to Me”, publish complimentary information across social media platforms, and develop self-help courses to empower patients to feel better, faster. She also proudly serves on the Vestibular Disorders Association’s (VedA) board.

Heather Davies

Heather Davies
Meniere's Disease Patient

Bio

Heather began having 1-2 episodes of vertigo yearly in the late 1990s.  In October 2016, she began having pressure and numbness on the right side of her head that radiated down the side of her face, along with tinnitus and body weakness.  As her symptoms intensified, they were joined by vertigo that she experienced daily for nearly 6 months, along with hyperacusis, dizziness and a multitude of other symptoms.  These symptoms forced her to take a leave of absence from her nursing career, step down from teaching fitness classes, withdraw from college and surrender her driver’s license.  While attending numerous doctor’s appointments, trying to figure out what was happening to the body she no longer recognized, she spiraled into a deep depression.  Finally came a diagnosis, then trials of medication until finding what worked for her.  Through meditation, journaling, nutritional changes, vestibular rehab, yoga, learning to love herself again and making her family's dreams her driving force, she continues to learn how to live her best life despite the symptoms. In early 2022, Heather started the Meniere’s Muse podcast for Vestibular Warriors to share their personal journeys, in hopes that the power of connection will give hope and inspiration to others living with vestibular disorders. She believes together we find our strength by empowering each other to move forward in our journeys, by learning to lean on and support one another so no one feels alone.

Hollie Smith

Hollie Smith
Meniere's Disease, Vestibular Migraine & SSCD Patient

Bio

Hollie is a life-long vestibular warrior, receiving her first vestibular diagnosis as a teenager.  Nearly two decades later, she finally received the other two diagnoses and has a more complete picture of her multiple vestibular disorders (Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence, Vestibular Migraines, and Meniere's disease).  She has undergone two middle-fossa craniotomy surgeries at UCLA for her SSCD. Years of vestibular therapy with a VeDA OWL (One Who Listens) award winning vestibular therapist has played a big role in stabilizing her vestibular symptoms.  While she had to retire from teaching elementary school, "Miss Smith" has found passion in helping to teach others about vestibular disorders. Along with her new friends, Mary and Michelle, she co-leads VeDA's Medically Retired support group for people who have had to leave their careers due to their vestibular disorders. Their support group was founded during the 2023 VeDA Life Rebalanced Live conference.  She was featured on the February 28, 2024 "Talk Dizzy to Me" podcast talking about support groups and VeDA's 2024 conference.  She is honored to co-host this year's fireside chats with Heather Davies.  Hollie wants people who have dizziness to know that they are not alone and that there are glimmers of hope even in long, often complex vestibular journeys. 



Expert Speakers

 

Dr. Trupti Gokani

Trupti Gokani, MD
Neurologist

Bio

Trupti Gokani, MD is an award-winning, board-certified neurologist, health & mindset coach, ayurvedic expert, and Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), who has dedicated her life to developing a unique blend of ancient wisdom with modern approaches. She is best known for her revolutionary integrative approach to treating migraine. As a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, she uses this approach to help clients understand their unconscious mind programs, which keep them in repetitive patterns of disharmony of thoughts, words, and action. Dr. Gokani is the author of the book, The Mysterious Mind: How to Use Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science to Heal your Headaches and will soon be releasing her second book: The Stress Rx: A Neurologist's Ayurvedic Prescription to Happiness and Health.

Full Bio Available Here



Dr. Bryce Applebaum

Bryce Applebaum, OD
Optometrist

Bio

Dr Appelbaum is a pioneer in neuro-optometry passionate about unlocking life’s potential through vision. His expertise includes reorganizing the visual brain post-concussion to return to learn and return to life, remediating visual developmental delays interfering with reading and learning, and enhancing visual skills to elevate sports performance. 

Dr. Appelbaum is on a mission to change the way the world views vision.  He believes there is more to vision than just 20/20 eyesight and has developed programs to retrain the brain to revise the eyes.  

Dr. Appelbaum has been featured on the front page of USA Today, on CBS and NBC, in the New York Times Magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and as the cover story of OT Advance. He was the 2022 recipient of The Future of Health Award at the Mindshare Leadership Summit and has shared the stage with Dr. Joe Dispenza, Marie Forleo, and JJ Virgin. Dr. Appelbaum is a frequent podcast and media guest, having recently been interviewed on MindBodyGreen, Chris Kresser's Revolution Health Radio, and Evolution of Medicine.

Dr. Applebaum is the founder and CEO of MyVisionFirst, with a private practice specializing in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation and offices in Bethesda and Annapolis, Maryland. He is also the founder and CEO of ScreenFit, the revolutionary online vision training program designed to minimize the damage of digital devices on vision, reduce symptoms, and promote healthy visual habits for extended screen use.




Amy Moore

Amy Moore, DPT
Physical Therapist

Bio

Amy Moore has been practicing physical therapy in the Baton Rouge area since 2014.  She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree, and a certificate in vestibular rehabilitation. Amy started The Dizzy PT to provide safe and effective individualized vestibular rehabilitation to patients inside the comfort of their own home. You can also find Dr. Amy on Instagram and TikTok @thedizzyPT, where she is known for her educational and entertaining videos.

Dr. Anand Bery

Anand Bery, MD, FRCPC
Neurologist, Otoneurologist

Bio

Dr. Anand Bery is a neurologist and otoneurologist, with unique subspecialty fellowship training in neuro-vestibular and balance disorders. He specializes in treating patients with dizziness, vertigo, double vision and imbalance. His clinical interests include vestibular neuritis, BPPV, vestibular migraine and nystagmus.

Dr. Bery has been an invited speaker on vestibular topics in national and international settings. He has multiple peer reviewed publications in neuro-vestibular medicine (and the related field of neuro-ophthalmology). His academic goal is to improve diagnosis of vestibular disorders, particularly in frontline settings.

Dr. Daniel Demian

Daniel Demian, DC, DACNB
Chiropractic Neurologist

Bio

Dr. Daniel Demian has a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, with postdoctoral studies in Chiropractic Neurology (DACNB) through the Carrick Institute for Graduate Studies. His training and personal experience allows him to evaluate and rehabilitate people with a brain-based perspective. By looking at how brain function intersects with other systems in the body he can begin to unravel complex health conditions and understand how best to assist his patient’s care.

He and his team are few who use cutting-edge equipment and years of experience to test and interpret specific brain and nervous system markers. From these tests, they design treatment plans integrating treatment tools and modalities to harness Neuroplasticity.

We are only beginning to understand how the brain interacts with the body. Daniel is involved in research, technology, consulting, and continued learning in these fields. His goal is to bring awareness and restore hope to people suffering with no answers.

Maria Machala

Maria Machala, MS, NP
Nurse Practitioner

Bio

Maria Machala is a certified nurse practitioner, the director of the Dizziness and Balance Clinic at the University of Colorado, and has worked in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Colorado since 2015 specializing in otology/neurotology. She has a special interest in vestibular migraine and in the overlap between migraine and Meniere’s disease and other vestibular conditions. She has presented both nationally and internationally on vestibular migraine. She serves as a guest lecturer at the Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner schools within the University of Colorado and is a clinical mentor to students in these programs. She has proctored vestibular workshops at the Society of PAs in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (SPAO-HNS) annual conference, teaching advanced practice providers who work in otolaryngology how to perform otologic procedures and comprehensive vestibular evaluations.

Dr. Kathleen Stross

Kathleen Stross, MS, DPT, CHC
Physical Therapist

Bio

Kathleen Stross is one of the premier vestibular and neurological physical therapists in the country. Her physical therapy career began in 1989 and quickly focused on the treatment of the severely neurologically impaired. She developed one of the first Vestibular Rehabilitation programs in the US, developing treatment techniques for those with dizziness and balance disorders. Kathleen’s neurosensory approach to physical dysfunction allows appreciation for the nervous system’s role in processing every stimulus and orchestrating all expression.

Dr. Dara Meldrum

Dara Meldrum, PhD, MISCP, MSc
Physical Therapist

Bio

Dr. Dara Meldrum is a vestibular physiotherapist with over 25 years of clinical and research experience. She has published 53 journal articles and 100 conference abstracts. Her doctoral research centered on the integration of technology in balance and dizziness rehabilitation, which led her to found VERTIGENIUS, an online, comprehensive and personalized approach to vestibular rehabilitation. 

Dr. Sarah Conover

Sarah Conover, PT, MHS, CHC, C
Physical Therapist

Bio

Sarah Conover is a licensed vestibular physical therapist and certified health coach who helps people recover from dizziness and imbalance so they can get back to work, family responsibilities, and the active pastimes they love. Through one on one telehealth visits and her online group program, Sarah uses a diverse approach to address chronic dizziness as well as the anxiety and fears that often coexist. Sarah has degrees from the University of Evansville and the University of Indianapolis. She obtained Vestibular Competency through the rigorous Herdman program at Emory University in 2005 and also has advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, functional nutrition, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Sarah has co-authored a published paper on the effectiveness of telehealth for vestibular disorders, and will be completing a certification program in February in Mental Health for Physical Therapists.

Patient Panelists

 

Alicia Wolf

Alicia Wolf
Vestibular Migraine

Bio

Alicia Wolf is the best-selling cookbook author of The Dizzy Cook and The Mediterranean Migraine Diet. In 2016 she was diagnosed with chronic Vestibular Migraine, and later with PPPD. Because she wanted to start a family, she was limited on medications she could try and leaned heavily into natural treatments. With a well-rounded treatment plan, she went from debilitating, 24/7 dizziness to dizzy-free days. She still loves to explore new ideas to keep up with those feel-good days. Alicia lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband Casey, two dogs and two toddlers (ages 3 & 1). She's been a long time VEDA Ambassador and volunteers for them and other migraine organizations. She received the NHF Headache Hero award, VeDA OWL award (One Who Listens), and is a Migraine World Summit speaker. Her blog, The Dizzy Cook, was one of the first patient resources on vestibular migraine, and continues to be a great free resource to patients who may feel lost and hopeless with this illness. 

Ashley Pernicano

Ashley Pernicano
Vestibular Migraine

Bio

Ashley resides in Dallas, TX with her husband and two children, daughter (9) and son (7). She received a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University where she was a 4 year division one athlete. She then went on to receive her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from New York University. Her nursing background consists of working in Heart and Vascular Surgical Services, Nursing Leadership, Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, and Oncology Infusion.

It wasn’t until chronic illness caused a decline in her health 4 years ago that she became interested in functional medicine, and more specifically vitamin therapy. She decided to take a more holistic approach to her healing. This is where Simply Well RN was born, a nurse-owned wellness practice specializing in vitamin therapy and health solutions. Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve their optimal health by providing safe, effective, and customized care that nourishes the body, revitalizes the spirit, and supports lasting, healthy transformations. 

She believes that in order to restore and maintain optimal health you must strike a balance between proper nutrition, vitamin therapy, exercise, healthy sleep habits, and overall self care. She truly has a passion to assist individuals achieve their optimal health goals through the use of vitamins and other supplementation. 




Sophie Krupp

Sophie Krupp
Vestibular Migraine

Bio

In 2017, while Sophie was working on her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and chronic migraines disease. She also had recently experienced a head trauma and was given an ADHD diagnosis. Sophie was in her mid-twenties and burning the candle at both ends. She knew this was exacerbating her symptoms and decided it was time to stop and pivot. Today Sophie is a health coach, certified midwife, and women’s health herbal educator. You can find her at https://www.sophiekrupp.org/.

Sarah DeSantis

Sarah DeSantis
Vestibular Migraine

Bio

Sarah’s symptoms began in 2006 when she was 19. She had several surgeries to remove a cholesteatoma from her right ear. She experienced light sensitivity, difficulty driving, problems with night vision, eye floaters, and felt worse before her menstrual cycle, but her doctors told her it was all just anxiety.  In 2018, her symptoms reached a new level. She had to stop working, driving, and was scared and depressed. It wasn’t until 2020 when a neurologist diagnosed her with vestibular migraine. 

Sarah used many different modalities to help her feel better, including medication, trigeminal nerve stimulation, an elimination diet, sleep hygiene, yoga, and exercise. By 2023, she went back to work part-time.

Today Sarah is 38 years old and lives near Harrisburg, PA with her husband. She is a certified yoga instructor and has an MS in Integrative Health Sciences. She currently works in Occupational Therapy and is starting a lifestyle medicine/coaching business (find her on Instagram @BalancedHarmony7).



Jennifer Crespo

Jennifer Crespo
Vestibular Neuritis, Vestibular Migraine

Bio

Jennifer’s vestibular disorder began in October 2016, when she was 35 weeks pregnant. She was teaching when everything started to spin out of control. It was a nightmare. She’ll never know what caused the onset, but suspects either a blood clot or virus, which led to caused vestibular neuritis. Now Jennifer has been diagnosed with Vestibular Migraine. She is often triggered by environmental allergens and season changes. There are days where she struggles and is always a bit off balance, but overall she is thriving. 

Jennifer lives in New Jersey with her 8 year old son Luca, husband Gene, their puppy Clark, and their Gecko! She teaches at Suffern High School and is certified in Italian and will be certified in ENL soon.

Jennifer loves traveling , and has been to Europe, Asia and South America in addition to exploring North America. She likes to write and enjoys exercise and reading.

Katrien Goethals

Katrien Goethals
Vestibular Neuritis, Vestibular Migraine, PPPD

Bio

Katrien is originally from Belgium, where she worked and taught in international environments. Her vestibular journey began on Christmas Eve, 2021. What started as ringing in one ear eventually led to 24/7 dizziness. After years of vestibular therapy and trial and error of multiple medicines, she finally started to feel better. She is still suffering from 6/8 migraines a month, but life has become so much better being able to read and write again, dance and ride her bike. Daily practice of yoga nidra meditation and taking short periods of rest throughout the day have made a big difference. Suffering from a chronic illness has taught her a lot - from appreciating the small things in life to listening to her body and putting up boundaries.  

Marissa Aldrete

Marissa Aldrete
Vestibular Migraine

Bio

Marissa’s journey began on July 14, 2011. She had a history of headaches that escalated until they became horribly intense. Eventually dizziness and disorientation were added to the mix. Her vision became uncomfortable, she had difficulty concentrating, and her balance was off. She visited numerous doctors and all her tests came back normal. She felt broken, scared, confused, angry, sad, and hopeless. The intermittent pain morphed to everyday dizziness, quick spins, constant head pressure, and tightness, and she wasn’t able to leave the house without feeling completely sick. Finally she found the right doctor, the right medication, and a community of support. Today, Marissa is a health coach, support group leader, and VeDA Ambassador. 

Julia Savoia

Julia Savoia
Ménière's disease

Bio

Julia started experiencing severe vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and hearing loss at 18 and was finally diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease at 20. She experienced intense dizzy spells and often found herself scared to leave the house. She was consumed by anxiety, and scared about the future. She graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in translation and got into a master’s program, only to drop out before the classes began because she was too dizzy to attend. Later she moved to the US, where she met her husband, and things temporarily improved. About 2 years later she started having severe drop attacks. Eventually she found that dietary modifications and lifestyle changes were the most effective ways to manage her symptoms. This inspired her to become a Holistic Nutritionist and help fellow Meniere’s Disease warriors improve their symptoms. You can find Julia at https://www.managingmenieres.com/.

Kristy Carabello

Kristy Carabello
Ménière's disease, Vestibular Migraine

Bio

Kristy lives with Meniere's Disease and Vestibular Migraine. When she was first diagnosed she found herself overwhelmed by the unpredictable nature of these disorders. Like many people with vestibular conditions, she started tracking her symptoms the old-fashioned way: with pen and paper. As she documented her experiences, patterns began to emerge. She discovered specific triggers - certain foods, hormonal changes, stress levels - that influenced her symptoms. She searched for digital solutions to track her symptoms but couldn't find an app designed with vestibular patients in mind, so she designed one called Vertige with the aim of helping vestibular patients support their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being and regain a sense of control and empowerment. Learn more at https://www.vertige.app/.

Shruti Shivaramakrishnan

Shruti Shivaramakrishnan
Vestibular Migraine

Bio

Shruti lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, 6 year old daughter, and beagle. Her career background is in patient engagement through strategic content and fostering validating communities. Her Instagram community, Chronically Meh, aims to support people who live with chronic illness, and my work with GetCopayHelp assists patients with affordable prescriptions. 

Shruti has had migraines since she was a child, with occasional vestibular symptoms. After contracting COVID, the vestibular aspect became more pronounced and has caused ongoing health issues. The unpredictability of her symptoms is frustrating and makes them challenging to manage. While she is frustrated by the lack of effective treatments and general lack of understanding, she tries to focus on the hope advocacy brings, everyday glimmers, and live life fully -  one breath at a time.

 

Previous Year's Recordings

If you missed VeDA's previous Virtual Conferences you can still watch the sessions by purchasing the recordings. Your purchase gets you lifetime access to the full conference to watch at your leisure and rewatch as many times as you want while providing support for the free articles and resources that are available from VeDA to vestibular patients all over the world.

 

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Thank you to the conference sponsors

 

Hainlen Discovery Fund at the University of Minnesota
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