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Hi there! Em here. I've compiled the most frequently asked questions that I receive. If I don't answer your question here, please reach out through the contact form above. I'll continue to update this page as well as my videos on YouTube (Vestibular Warrior channel). My mission is for us to thrive in this life with a vestibular condition and beyond. That's why I share everything I do and I'm so happy to connect with you! Be sure to visit the Vestibular Warrior Hub for all things holistic wellness too. If you are looking for extra support, I'd be happy to connect. Visit here.
On October 31, 2016, my vestibular something hit. This was not something I understood at the time. In fact I had absolutely no idea what was happening. I did not have a diagnosis until July 2018- over 18 months later. Through the help of the Vestibular Disorders Association I was able to gather more information on my own about what was possibly happening. I spent hours upon hours searching the internet for answers, and eventually connecting with others living with a vestibular condition. Within a few months I had a much better idea of what I thought was happening (that I most likely had vestibular neuritis). It wasn't until a year in that I started to uncover the vestibular migraine/migraine associated vertigo component. When I was healing from vestibular neuritis my symptoms were constant (not a moment of relief). Over the first year I had healed tremendously (still had symptoms 24/7, just not as severe), but I could tell there was something else at play with the waxing and waning of my symptoms. I'd be feeling so much better and then out of the blue I'd experience a wash of intense symptoms. Enter: vestibular migraines.
In July 2018 I finally had an appointment with a neurologist (that had knowledge of vestibular migraines) who told me that vestibular neuritis had most likely triggered vestibular migraines in my case. I had put these pieces together way before this appointment, but it was nice to get a confirmation.
I look at my diagnosis as a label for the symptoms. I do not believe that a lack of diagnosis (for a long while) meant that I couldn't heal. I believe that we are meant to holistically heal from the inside out, and that has been my motive every step of the way.
In July 2018 I finally had an appointment with a neurologist (that had knowledge of vestibular migraines) who told me that vestibular neuritis had most likely triggered vestibular migraines in my case. I had put these pieces together way before this appointment, but it was nice to get a confirmation.
I look at my diagnosis as a label for the symptoms. I do not believe that a lack of diagnosis (for a long while) meant that I couldn't heal. I believe that we are meant to holistically heal from the inside out, and that has been my motive every step of the way.
where can I learn about your story and how you recovered your wellness?
Uncovering Bliss book
In November 2019, I self-published my book Uncovering Bliss: A Journey With A Vestibular Condition and Beyond. I tell my story of getting hit with a vestibular condition (vestibular neuritis + vestibular migraines) seemingly out of the blue, exploring my way through healing, and eventually thriving with my vestibular condition and beyond. This book is my heart and soul transformed into the words, thoughts and feelings that decorated a chapter of my life. Writing is the perfect medium for sharing stories that are harder to tell through the spoken word and this was especially true for me when I was in the messy middle of a health crisis where I couldn’t make sense of how I had even fallen into the chaotic storm or if an exit existed. My book can be purchased on Amazon and the e-book here. Thank you so much for your support!
were your vestibular migraine symptoms constant?
migraine associated vertigo explained
The quick answer is YES my symptoms were constant without a second of relief for over a year.
I had unknowingly had a few vestibular migraine (VM) episodes in my twenties, but the instances passed so quickly that I never thought about it again... until the episodes turned chronic. Because my symptoms were constant the first year, I didn't think I could be dealing with vestibular migraines. I had been wrongly told that vestibular migraine symptoms were only episodic. I later learned that I was stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of vestibular migraine episodes - with 24/7 symptoms - and as I approached the 18-month mark it became much clearer that I was experiencing vestibular migraine attacks. I would be going about my life - so close to feeling normal - and an attack would hit.
It felt heartbreaking. I had worked so hard to climb my way out of the darkness and felt sucked back into it when symptoms hit out of the blue. It would take me days and sometimes longer and the symptoms would return intensely making me feel like I was back in the beginning. It hurt my heart, but I later learned that this was part of my healing. Steps backward, but then moving forward once again...
[Read this post to learn about vestibular migraines/migraine associated vertigo]
I had unknowingly had a few vestibular migraine (VM) episodes in my twenties, but the instances passed so quickly that I never thought about it again... until the episodes turned chronic. Because my symptoms were constant the first year, I didn't think I could be dealing with vestibular migraines. I had been wrongly told that vestibular migraine symptoms were only episodic. I later learned that I was stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of vestibular migraine episodes - with 24/7 symptoms - and as I approached the 18-month mark it became much clearer that I was experiencing vestibular migraine attacks. I would be going about my life - so close to feeling normal - and an attack would hit.
It felt heartbreaking. I had worked so hard to climb my way out of the darkness and felt sucked back into it when symptoms hit out of the blue. It would take me days and sometimes longer and the symptoms would return intensely making me feel like I was back in the beginning. It hurt my heart, but I later learned that this was part of my healing. Steps backward, but then moving forward once again...
[Read this post to learn about vestibular migraines/migraine associated vertigo]
what are the symptoms of vestibular migraine / migraine associated vertigo?
my vestibular migraine symptoms
DISSOCIATIVE SYMPTOMS- this was my biggest symptom and the worst; it included derealization (disconnected from my environment) and depersonalization (disconnected from my body)
ANXIETY- this spike was often my telltale sign of what was to follow
LIGHTHEADEDNESS- feeling like I might faint (this is a symptoms I experienced throughout my twenties along with derealization)
PHOTOPHOBIA- sensitivity to light or intolerance of light; big box stores and/or florescent lights were the hardest to handle
VERTIGO- feeling like my world was spinning even though I was still
VISUAL ISSUES / DIMINISHED EYE FOCUS- difficulty focusing my eyes and my world appearing skewed (although I could completely see)
SPACIAL DISORIENTATION- suddenly needing to make sense of where I was; feeling unaware of my body's position
NAUSEA- this symptoms made a strong appearance at times causing vomiting
NECK PAIN- this would often happen before other symptoms made a strong appearance; turning my neck would become difficult and painful to the touch
Read this blog post which details my vestibular migraine symptoms and what they feel like. I also talk about vestibular migraine symptoms in this video.
ANXIETY- this spike was often my telltale sign of what was to follow
LIGHTHEADEDNESS- feeling like I might faint (this is a symptoms I experienced throughout my twenties along with derealization)
PHOTOPHOBIA- sensitivity to light or intolerance of light; big box stores and/or florescent lights were the hardest to handle
VERTIGO- feeling like my world was spinning even though I was still
VISUAL ISSUES / DIMINISHED EYE FOCUS- difficulty focusing my eyes and my world appearing skewed (although I could completely see)
SPACIAL DISORIENTATION- suddenly needing to make sense of where I was; feeling unaware of my body's position
NAUSEA- this symptoms made a strong appearance at times causing vomiting
NECK PAIN- this would often happen before other symptoms made a strong appearance; turning my neck would become difficult and painful to the touch
Read this blog post which details my vestibular migraine symptoms and what they feel like. I also talk about vestibular migraine symptoms in this video.
what is vestibular neuritis?
I share my full story with vestibular neuritis in this video. VEDA explains vestibular neuritis in this post.
I had an ear infection/cold in week prior to the initial onset of my symptoms. I thought it was a virus that would pass. During the acute phase, the symptoms came on very suddenly. I was fine one moment and then my world went sideways in the next. The sudden onset of my symptoms was beyond frightening and I rushed to my doctor. I was told that I had an ear infection, given an antihistamine and sent home. I had no diagnosis and was terrified. My whole world shifted in that moment.
I had an ear infection/cold in week prior to the initial onset of my symptoms. I thought it was a virus that would pass. During the acute phase, the symptoms came on very suddenly. I was fine one moment and then my world went sideways in the next. The sudden onset of my symptoms was beyond frightening and I rushed to my doctor. I was told that I had an ear infection, given an antihistamine and sent home. I had no diagnosis and was terrified. My whole world shifted in that moment.
what are vestibular neuritis symptoms?
My symptoms in the first week were severe. My world had a violent off kilter sensation (vertigo). I was nauseous, vomiting at times, entirely unsteady in my body and dealing with imbalance. I had great difficulty with my vision and concentrating on any object. The brain fog was thick and I was living behind my window (which I would later learn was derealization). I feel lucky that I dealt with very little tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and did not experience any hearing loss. The most prominent symptom was the feeling of floating, like I was living on a moving dock every moment of every day. That symptom started to subside around nine months in.
vestibular neuritis symptoms
VERTIGO
BALANCE ISSUES
NAUSEA
DIZZINESS
VISION ISSUES
FLOATING FEELING
BRAINFOG/MENTAL FATIGUE
ANXIETY/PANIC FEELING
FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT MODE
For a sold nine months, these symptoms were constant; although, they did improve over time. Within a few months the brain fog/mental fatigue had lessened dramatically and I felt less imbalance. The symptom that stuck around longest was my vision feeling skewed. It felt like I had to work hard to keep my eyes focused. This symptoms gradually improved over time, but it stuck around for a solid 18 months.
As you can tell, many of these symptoms are similar to vestibular migraine symptoms. That's why it took me a while to start to separate the two.
BALANCE ISSUES
NAUSEA
DIZZINESS
VISION ISSUES
FLOATING FEELING
BRAINFOG/MENTAL FATIGUE
ANXIETY/PANIC FEELING
FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT MODE
For a sold nine months, these symptoms were constant; although, they did improve over time. Within a few months the brain fog/mental fatigue had lessened dramatically and I felt less imbalance. The symptom that stuck around longest was my vision feeling skewed. It felt like I had to work hard to keep my eyes focused. This symptoms gradually improved over time, but it stuck around for a solid 18 months.
As you can tell, many of these symptoms are similar to vestibular migraine symptoms. That's why it took me a while to start to separate the two.
how did you heal from vestibular neuritis?
vestibular neuritis recovery
Within the first few months I did go to vestibular rehabilitation therapy ((VRT) is a form of physical therapy that uses specialized exercises that result in gaze and gait stabilization). The problem was that I could act so normal on the outside even though on inside I was a complete mess. I felt off kilter every moment and floating. I did the eye exercises for a period of time, but in my case just pushing myself through my normal life felt more like intense therapy.
TEACHING MY BODY ONCE AGAIN:
I went back to work nine days after the initial attack, which I know probably sounds crazy to you if you've experiences a vestibular condition. It was incredibly difficult, but also forced me to help my body acclimate to life again almost immediately and every single day. Walking, going to store, being in uncomfortable situations each day became my own version of vestibular therapy.
CHIROPRACTOR/CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY:
I went to a chiropractor that also specialized in cranial sacral therapy 3x/week. It was a huge commitment, but I relied on these appointments to get through the days. It's only looking back that I can see how much they were probably helping even though I felt like I was trudging through darkness at the time.
HOLISTIC NUTRITION / DIET: [I share all in The Bliss Out Guide]
I embraced a plant-based diet beginning in 2009 (read about that here), but through working with a holistic doctor I learned that sugar was problematic. I cut all sugar and gluten from my diet, keeping within my plant-based framework. I focused on eating whole foods knowing that they could support my mind and body in healing. I followed a stricter diet for a period of six months, but I still eat a whole foods plant-based diet. I look at food as the first line of defense for my health.
Getting hit with my vestibular something inspired me to go back to school and become an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist. I help others use food to fuel their healing through one-on-one consultations and be sure to check out The Bliss Out Guide: Embracing A Plant-Based Diet to Elevate Wellness Both Inside & Out.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
I started using certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils about two months in. I was feeling utterly lost and desperate for support and help with the symptoms that felt all-consuming and overwhelming. A dear friend of mine helped me get started with pure plant oils and it felt like such a light in my life. I soon after started sharing how I was using these oils to support my health. I taught my first class four months in with my vestibular condition. I was determined to find the light in the darkness and oils were a huge part of that. They still are my main holistic support system along with diet and supplements.
I share lots about essential oils here on Bliss Out and I help others get started with their oils. I am a doTERRA wellness advocate and it's been one of the best things I've done for my health. You can find lots more about oils here:
oils for Vestibular Warriors
essential oils basics guide
get your essential oils
essential oil starter kits
TEACHING MY BODY ONCE AGAIN:
I went back to work nine days after the initial attack, which I know probably sounds crazy to you if you've experiences a vestibular condition. It was incredibly difficult, but also forced me to help my body acclimate to life again almost immediately and every single day. Walking, going to store, being in uncomfortable situations each day became my own version of vestibular therapy.
CHIROPRACTOR/CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY:
I went to a chiropractor that also specialized in cranial sacral therapy 3x/week. It was a huge commitment, but I relied on these appointments to get through the days. It's only looking back that I can see how much they were probably helping even though I felt like I was trudging through darkness at the time.
HOLISTIC NUTRITION / DIET: [I share all in The Bliss Out Guide]
I embraced a plant-based diet beginning in 2009 (read about that here), but through working with a holistic doctor I learned that sugar was problematic. I cut all sugar and gluten from my diet, keeping within my plant-based framework. I focused on eating whole foods knowing that they could support my mind and body in healing. I followed a stricter diet for a period of six months, but I still eat a whole foods plant-based diet. I look at food as the first line of defense for my health.
Getting hit with my vestibular something inspired me to go back to school and become an AFPA Certified Holistic Nutritionist. I help others use food to fuel their healing through one-on-one consultations and be sure to check out The Bliss Out Guide: Embracing A Plant-Based Diet to Elevate Wellness Both Inside & Out.
ESSENTIAL OILS:
I started using certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils about two months in. I was feeling utterly lost and desperate for support and help with the symptoms that felt all-consuming and overwhelming. A dear friend of mine helped me get started with pure plant oils and it felt like such a light in my life. I soon after started sharing how I was using these oils to support my health. I taught my first class four months in with my vestibular condition. I was determined to find the light in the darkness and oils were a huge part of that. They still are my main holistic support system along with diet and supplements.
I share lots about essential oils here on Bliss Out and I help others get started with their oils. I am a doTERRA wellness advocate and it's been one of the best things I've done for my health. You can find lots more about oils here:
oils for Vestibular Warriors
essential oils basics guide
get your essential oils
essential oil starter kits
how did you heal from vestibular migraines?
Most days I feel fantastic and I'm so thankful to be in a grounded state. It's now almost four year later and I can gratefully say that I have recovered my wellness.
In healing my vestibular something, I continue to use the same holistic approach mentioned above, diving deeper in with essential oils and holistic nutrition and medical medium protocols. I'm always a student of holistic nutrition because my ultimate goal has been heal myself and help other Vestibular Warriors as well.
In healing my vestibular something, I continue to use the same holistic approach mentioned above, diving deeper in with essential oils and holistic nutrition and medical medium protocols. I'm always a student of holistic nutrition because my ultimate goal has been heal myself and help other Vestibular Warriors as well.
plant-based diet
Food is the foundation of health. It is at the heart of vibrant health now and into the future. You can follow my journey to embracing a plant-based diet and following Medical Medium protocols. I embraced a plant-based diet beginning 2009 and simply put, it changed my life and how I approach food and wellness.
I believe that my plant-based diet, with an emphasis on whole foods, has been the puzzle piece which gave me the chance to be high functioning even when symptoms were crashing my system. I’m not of the mindset that one way of eating works perfectly for everyone but through my holistic nutrition studies I have been exposed to the nutritional science of a diet focused on plants as the foundation. Following a plant-based diet fuels my health now and into the future.
I believe that my plant-based diet, with an emphasis on whole foods, has been the puzzle piece which gave me the chance to be high functioning even when symptoms were crashing my system. I’m not of the mindset that one way of eating works perfectly for everyone but through my holistic nutrition studies I have been exposed to the nutritional science of a diet focused on plants as the foundation. Following a plant-based diet fuels my health now and into the future.
essential oils for migraines
Essential oils are a huge component in my proactive vestibular migraine treatment. I write about that here.
You can find my oils routine in the links below. I also share lots on Instagram.
vestibular warrior oils routine
my routine when symptoms heighten
I'm currently in the process of weaning off a migraine-preventive medication that I started 19 months in. I share all about that on the blog. During this process I will continue to share my honest account of the experience as well as how I'm using pure plant oils to deeply support my health.
You can find my oils routine in the links below. I also share lots on Instagram.
vestibular warrior oils routine
my routine when symptoms heighten
I'm currently in the process of weaning off a migraine-preventive medication that I started 19 months in. I share all about that on the blog. During this process I will continue to share my honest account of the experience as well as how I'm using pure plant oils to deeply support my health.
what is your vestibular migraine wellness routine?
Check out The Bliss Out Guide!!
you seem all about a holistic approach- why did you take a migraine-preventive med?
That was a tough decision and something I still think about. I share all the details of weaning off medication on the blog.
Why I went on a medication:
At 1.5 years in in I was tired of the surprise attacks and ready to try something else. Looking back I certainly could have made a different decision, but this felt right at the time. My symptoms had been 24/7 the first year (battling vestibular neuritis, most likely) and around year one I felt like there was something else at play. I had no diagnosis and no doctor had mentioned vestibular migraines to me. I was talking to a fellow vestibular warrior telling her how I felt so much better, but the symptoms were waxing and waning without predictability and I couldn't make sense of it. She told me she understood completely and that she had been diagnosed with vestibular migraines. Light-bulb moment!
By 18ish months in I was at a beautiful 90% better, which is freaking blissful compared to the hell of the first year. I know that percentage is arbitrary to read, but I'll explain. I'd be going along my merry way so close to touching normalcy and BAM. I'd get swarmed with symptoms without warning and it would crush my soul and take days (and often longer) to come out of it. I'd hit my happy 90% again having climbed the mountain out of the darkness and just as I got to the top and enjoyed the view, another episode would hit. It was a vicious cycle that was draining. So draining.
I wanted to heal completely holistically. I wanted it so damn bad, and I still believe in it. At twenty-one months in I had my first appointment with a neurologist who specialized in vestibular migraines. All her education and all she could offer me was medication, but I knew this going into the appointment. I had made up my mind before I walked in her office that day.
I was ready to get behind a medication to break the cycle. That became our plan: break the cycle and get off the medicine. She had said ideally I'd go six months without symptoms and know it was time to start weaning.
You can read about my weaning process here.
Why I went on a medication:
At 1.5 years in in I was tired of the surprise attacks and ready to try something else. Looking back I certainly could have made a different decision, but this felt right at the time. My symptoms had been 24/7 the first year (battling vestibular neuritis, most likely) and around year one I felt like there was something else at play. I had no diagnosis and no doctor had mentioned vestibular migraines to me. I was talking to a fellow vestibular warrior telling her how I felt so much better, but the symptoms were waxing and waning without predictability and I couldn't make sense of it. She told me she understood completely and that she had been diagnosed with vestibular migraines. Light-bulb moment!
By 18ish months in I was at a beautiful 90% better, which is freaking blissful compared to the hell of the first year. I know that percentage is arbitrary to read, but I'll explain. I'd be going along my merry way so close to touching normalcy and BAM. I'd get swarmed with symptoms without warning and it would crush my soul and take days (and often longer) to come out of it. I'd hit my happy 90% again having climbed the mountain out of the darkness and just as I got to the top and enjoyed the view, another episode would hit. It was a vicious cycle that was draining. So draining.
I wanted to heal completely holistically. I wanted it so damn bad, and I still believe in it. At twenty-one months in I had my first appointment with a neurologist who specialized in vestibular migraines. All her education and all she could offer me was medication, but I knew this going into the appointment. I had made up my mind before I walked in her office that day.
I was ready to get behind a medication to break the cycle. That became our plan: break the cycle and get off the medicine. She had said ideally I'd go six months without symptoms and know it was time to start weaning.
You can read about my weaning process here.
what are your favorite workouts?
I can't say enough good stuff about Kait Hurley's move + meditate sessions. I roll out of bed and start the workout that's nourishing for both my mind and body. Visit Kait's website here.
I started running again 19 months in and it truly brought me back to life. It built the confidence that had been dampened along the way. I still love to run, but prefer more yoga-type workouts these days.
Other favorites:
Lauren Roxburgh (foam rolling)
One0Eight Yoga (online classes)
I started running again 19 months in and it truly brought me back to life. It built the confidence that had been dampened along the way. I still love to run, but prefer more yoga-type workouts these days.
Other favorites:
Lauren Roxburgh (foam rolling)
One0Eight Yoga (online classes)
where else can I connect with you?
Instagram (vestibular_warrior) + YouTube
If you're interested in elevating your wellness with a plant-based diet, I'd love to support you! Visit here.
I host the Bliss Out Vibes podcast. I have conversations about what it feels like to be in the messy middle with a vestibular condition, the mind and body experience, my approach to healing, and more.
You can always reach out to me here as well. I'd be happy to connect with you!
If you're interested in elevating your wellness with a plant-based diet, I'd love to support you! Visit here.
I host the Bliss Out Vibes podcast. I have conversations about what it feels like to be in the messy middle with a vestibular condition, the mind and body experience, my approach to healing, and more.
You can always reach out to me here as well. I'd be happy to connect with you!
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