Talk Dizzy To Me

‘dizzy’ ‘vertigo’ ‘the spins’ ‘floaty’ ‘rocking’ ‘swimmy headed’ ‘world tilting’

There are so many ways people describe symptoms that are usually associated with inner ear (i.e. vestibular system) problems. These symptoms can indicate a variety of causes, from more frightening diagnoses like stroke, tumor, degenerative disease to more benign factors, like BPPV, dehydration, or medications.

For clinicians who could use some extra guidance and for individuals who are eager to comprehend what's happening and how to receive the proper care, check out these resources!

Let’s start with:

Dizzy School: Resources to support patients with chronic dizziness and provide guidance for clinicians working with this population

• The Dizzy School is a project by the Utah Chronic Dizziness Collaborative (UCDC), a group of therapists (shout out to Janene Holmberg!!) and doctors aiming to support patients with chronic dizziness in the Wasatch Front/Salt Lake region - however it's worth noting that the information provided can be applicable beyond this region.

• UCDC provides resources for both patients and clinicians, with a vision to enhance the care of those with chronic dizziness through collaborative processes. The site features a helpful clinician's guide for differential diagnosis and highlights distinctions between PPPD and vestibular migraine.

Link: https://medicine.utah.edu/neurology/education/dizzy-school

For clinicians who work with this population:

The Dizzy School offers a differential diagnosis breakdown for our patients experiencing chr0nic dizziness.

Referring Providers Guide Chronic Dizziness.pdf

Download PDF • 1.00MB

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Something I use regularly:

Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT): Has a wealth of resources on their site if you’re willing to wade through it. They have these educational handouts that explain various vestibular impairments in laymans terms that I will often give to patients when when appropriate:

Link: https://neuropt.org/consumer-info/neurologic-disorders-index/vestibular-disorders-dizziness

(The site at one point had translated versions of these handouts for Spanish speakers, though I am unsure where those disappeared to… hopefully they bring those back!)

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Social media spotlight:

Madison Oak, The Vertigo Doctor (PT, DPT)

Gotta say, I’m a little bit of a fangirl. She offers education and support for those with dizziness, vertigo, and vestibular disorders through a variety of options.

Free options:

• Grounded, the Vestibular Podcast

• Blog posts on her website and Instagram page on a wide range of topics for individuals with Vestibular Migraine, Meniere's Disease, Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness, etc.

• She responds to questions posed each week on her Instagram Stories

Not free, but a cost-effective option:

• Vestibular Group Fit Membership: offers access to educational content, weekly workouts, discounts on vestibular-related supplements, encouragement and support from Madison/ various expert guests, and join a supportive community of people experiencing vestibular symptoms.

Link: https://thevertigodoctor.com/

(These resources are not comprehensive. I will share additional resources regularly, so make sure to check Aurora for updates!)