|
|
Hi there! Emily 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). Bliss Out is the happy wellness hub for those living with a vestibular/migraine disorder. 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! [visit the disclaimer for further details]
what was your diagnosis?
my vestibular condition diagnosis
On October 31, 2016, my mind/body was hit with a vestibular condition. This was not something I understood at the time. In fact I had absolutely no idea what was happening. I share my full story in this video. I did not have a diagnosis until July 2018. 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?
I wrote my e-book Vestibular Warrior in early 2019 as a way to share my story and everything that helped me along the way. It was incredibly therapeutic to write and I'd love for you to check it out here.
were your vestibular migraine symptoms constant?
migraine associated vertigo explained
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 VM. I later learned that I was stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of VM episodes 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 suddenly...
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 VM. I later learned that I was stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of VM episodes 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 suddenly...
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- difficulty focusing my eyes and my world appearing skewed (although I could completely see)
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- difficulty focusing my eyes and my world appearing skewed (although I could completely see)
what is vestibular neuritis?
vestibular neuritis explained
I share my full story with vestibular neuritis in this video. VEDA explains vestibular neuritis in this post.
I had an ear infection in week prior to the initial onset of my symptoms. I thought it was a cold 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 in week prior to the initial onset of my symptoms. I thought it was a cold 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 spinning 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. 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.
Main 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.
Main 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.
how did you heal from vestibular neuritis?
my holistic support
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 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 vegan 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.
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:
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 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 vegan 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.
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:
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. In the last year I've had three more intense attacks that I was able to pull myself out of within the day. I continue to explore the route cause and do everything I can to elevate my wellness in this vestibular migraine life.
In healing VM, I continue to use the same holistic approach mentioned above, diving deeper in with essential oils and holistic nutrition. I'm currently studying holistic nutrition because my ultimate goal is to heal myself and help other incredible Vestibular Warriors as well.
In healing VM, I continue to use the same holistic approach mentioned above, diving deeper in with essential oils and holistic nutrition. I'm currently studying holistic nutrition because my ultimate goal is to heal myself and help other incredible Vestibular Warriors as well.
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.
vestibular migraine preventive diet
I followed the Migraine Diet from the book Heal Your Headache for six months. It definitely helped me find a more balanced state. After the six month point, I slowly started to bring back foods excluded from the diet, while keeping within my vegan foundation. I still stay away from coffee (mostly); although, I love it. It's certainly the hardest thing to keep out of my diet, but one of my more recent attacks (summer 2019) happened in the hours after drinking a cold-brew coffee, so I know how important it is to listen to my body. I eat plenty of bananas and nuts, which I missed when I was following the diet. Basically, the experienced helped me learn a lot more about myself and what foods may be migraine triggering for me.
what is your vestibular migraine wellness routine?
I share my full wellness routine here.
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 about that in this post. I will continue to update the blog sharing my journey with weaning off my migraine-preventive medication.
blog posts:
the start of weaning off migraine-preventive medication
month one + my holistic toolkit
I share all the details about that in this post. I will continue to update the blog sharing my journey with weaning off my migraine-preventive medication.
blog posts:
the start of weaning off migraine-preventive medication
month one + my holistic toolkit
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?
I share mostly on Instagram (vestibular_warrior) and YouTube (Vestibular Warrior channel).
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 amd 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!
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 amd 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!