Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

Today’s episode is about prepping for snow and winter in general. I have a bunch of stuff we’re going to cover, and I want you to take everything into consideration.

Winter is coming, and especially if you have a vestibular disorder, a little preparation goes a long way. I’m walking through what I’d want you to have on hand before the snow hits.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Tools and advice for outdoor activities

Tips to reduce scraping the car

What to have on hand at your house

Car and storm prep tips and tools

Items to keep in your porch and entry areas

How to choose the right shovel for light vs. heavy snow

Why sand is a great alternative to salt

The best time to shovel and how to shovel safely

Why building quad strength helps protect your knees long term

Who to ask for help before and after a snow storm

A little prep now means a lot less stress when the first snow hits.

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

YakTrax

Ice Bug boots

Trekking poles

Frost guard windshield cover

Ergonomic shovel / back-saving handle attachment

Show pusher shovel (light snow, cover more ground)

Short shovel for heavier snow

Snow melt mats

How to shovel snow safely is a recent Vestibular Group Fit video (members can watch inside VGF)

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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The holidays are coming, so we have some tried and true products that vestibular warriors love!

This is broken down into categories: travel, weather, toolkit, and daily routine. This is by no means perfect because different items can be used across multiple categories, but we did our best.

Whether you’re building your own toolkit or shopping for someone you love who has a vestibular disorder, this list is a great place to start! And of course, everything is linked below.

Hopefully this gives you some ideas for gift lists or for a vestibular warrior in your life! 

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off! & Black Friday sale coming soon!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Gift Guide Links:

Travel

Earplanes

WeatherX Earplugs

Travel toolkit pouch

Relief Band or Eme Term

Compression socks: Bombas or Amazon, especially helpful for POTS

Weather

Wrap cooling neck scarf or snap cooling neck scarf

Sun hat

Battery operated fan or phone fan

Yaktrax (for shoes)

Folding canopy chair

Toolkit

Weighted blanket

Knit option

Essential oils: Ruhewell dizzy box, use code VERTIGODOC for 15% off

Relief band or Eme Term

Truvaga (use code OAKPLUS), vagus nerve stimulation device (over-the-counter version of GammaCore)

Cefaly (use code VERTIGODOC), trigeminal nerve stimulation device

Avulux Glasses (use code VERTIGODOC)

Ice Roller

Loop ear plugs

Allay Lamp

Norb lightbulb, red for nighttime, green bandwidth also available

Vitamin or supplement gift card

Ginger Chews

Ice caps for head pain

Heating pad for neck and shoulders

Outlet version

Microwave version

Daily Routine

Sleep

Rise Centered alarm clock (no subscription, no phone required)

Eye mask

Like lamp 10k lux for mornings

Movement

Weighted vest

Adjustable weight set for proprioception and grounding

Trekking poles for walking

Hydration/Nutrition

Stainless Steel pots and pans

Metal or wood kitchen utensils

Stainless steel water bottle

Protein powder or supplement gift card

Electrolytes (great stocking stuffer!)

Reverse osmosis water filter, Cloud Water RO or HydroViv

NA beer or mocktail options: Athletic Brewing, Deschutes NA Black Butte Porter, Saint Agrestis Phony Negroni, Ghia

Air purifiers for the home

Jaspr Air (wait for Black Friday sale, use code VERTIGODOC), AustinAir also recommended

Supportive materials

The Way Out or Victory Over Vestibular Migraine

For children “Mommy Doesn’t Look Sick”

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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If you hadn’t heard yet, Daylight Saving Time is coming up on November 1st. If you have a vestibular disorder, that one-hour shift can do a number on your routine, sleep, and symptoms.

I don’t want you or your vestibular system to be caught off guard, which is why I share this info twice a year.

In this episode, I’m walking through exactly how to prepare for the Fall time change in a way that makes sense for your body—with gradual shifts, routine modifications, and practical prep so the morning-of you’re not feeling like your whole world’s been thrown off.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

How “gaining” an hour can still negatively affect your health

Why consistency in wake and sleep time matters so much with a vestibular disorder

How to effectively shift your schedule gradually leading up to the time change

How prepping the night before can be supportive

Practical modifications for the week of the time change

How this approach can also work for the Spring time change and travel across time zones

Remember: start small, stay consistent, and your body will thank you.

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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One of the most common things I hear from people with vestibular disorders is how hard it feels to do things with family (especially kids).

You want to be present, you want to participate, but you’re also trying to manage your symptoms and not make things worse. In this episode, I’m sharing a list of ideas to have on hand for those moments.

Whether you’re having a higher symptom day or an easier one, these activities are designed to be low-demand, flexible, and (gasp) fun! Save this episode, come back to it, and remember, you’ve got this.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Tips for making movie night more manageable

Card games for lower symptom days

Easy painting and drawing activities

Options for building or scrapbooking

Cooking and food-related ideas

Instagram accounts to follow for more ideas

Showing up, in whatever way you can, is more than enough for those who love and care about you.

Related Episodes:

Go-To Activity List for High Symptom Days: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/152-activity-list-for-high-symptom-days-living-with-vestibular-disorder/

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Loops: https://amzn.to/4kbPhPa 

CampSnap digital camera: https://www.campsnapphoto.com/

Kiwi Co subscription boxes: https://www.kiwico.com/

Crunch Labs build-a-box subscription: https://www.crunchlabs.com/products/build-box-subscription

Petals and Profanity coloring book: https://amzn.to/49VMBTC 

Card games:

Sagrada board game: https://amzn.to/4fMGN2l 

Carcassonne board game: https://amzn.to/4ejqbgk 

Flip 7 card game: https://amzn.to/4vHK5su 

Five Crowns card game: https://amzn.to/44bNuUw 

Instagram accounts to follow:

https://www.instagram.com/heyazka/

https://www.instagram.com/brambila_bits/ 

https://www.instagram.com/parentingwithmigraine

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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In this episode, we’re going to cover some common questions about advocating for treatments at the doctor’s office, which can occur for a few different reasons.

Having research to help advocate for your needs not only helps you educate future people, it also helps provide objective evidence for your specific needs.

Areas we’re gonna talk about are: CGRPs, why tryptans are often less effective for the dizziness side of VM, benefits of Botox, benefits of Timolol eye drops, and VM masquerading as BPPV. We’re also talking about the triad of VM, hypermobility, MCAS, and POTS. And then BPPV, MDDS, and PPPD.

Save this episode! You’re going to want to listen to it more than once because there is so much good stuff in here.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Why having research helps you advocate for your specific needs at the doctor

CGRPs for vestibular migraine

Why tryptans are often less effective for the dizziness part of a VM attack

What the research says about Botox for vestibular migraine

What studies show about Timolol eye drops

Why vestibular migraine is commonly misdiagnosed as BPPV

Why VM, hypermobility, POTS, dysautonomia, and MCAS so often appear together

What to ask about if you keep getting recurrent BPPV

A 2024 MdDS treatment protocol that had a 64% improvement rate

How a sleep apnea assessment helps both VM and BPPV patients

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools you have when it comes to advocating for your care—and now you have a little more of it.

Related Episodes:

What is Optimal Bloodwork?: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/98-optimal-vs-normal-bloodwork/

How to Get a Dizziness Diagnosis: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/154-how-to-get-a-dizziness-diagnosis-with-a-bonus-resource-guide/

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit

Guide with links from the episode in this Canva doc: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHQDflgIhM/TiRFvtDhQ9AY2hPv2SkBRA/edit

Free Resources:

⁠The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n

⁠The PPPD Management Masterclass⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd

⁠What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership

⁠The FREE Mini VGFit Workout⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit

⁠The FREE POTS – safe Workouts⁠: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots

Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor

Work with Dr. Madison:

For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com

Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!

Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/

Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit

Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Citations

Russo, C. V., Saccà, F., Braca, S., Sansone, M., Miele, A., Stornaiuolo, A., & De Simone, R. (2023). Anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of vestibular migraine: A prospective observational cohort study. Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 43(4), 3331024231161809. 

Hoskin, J. L., & Fife, T. D. (2022). New Anti-CGRP Medications in the Treatment of Vestibular Migraine. Frontiers in neurology, 12, 799002. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.799002 

Staab JP, Eggers SDZ, Jen JC, et al. Rizatriptan vs Placebo for Attacks of Vestibular Migraine: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol. 2025;82(7):676–686. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.1006 

Oh, S. Y., Kang, J. J., Kim, S., Lee, J. M., Kim, J. S., & Dieterich, M. (2022). A preliminary trial of botulinum toxin type A in patients with vestibular migraine: A longitudinal fMRI study. Frontiers in neurology, 13, 955158. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.955158 

Migliazzo, C. V., & Hagan, J. C., 3rd (2014). Beta blocker eye drops for treatment of acute migraine. Missouri medicine, 111(4), 283–288. 

Cossack M, Nabrinsky E, Turner H, Abraham A, Gratton S. Timolol Eyedrops in the Treatment of Acute Migraine Attacks: A Randomized Crossover Study. JAMA Neurol. 2018;75(8):1024–1025. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2018.0970 

Hac, N. E. F., & Gold, D. R. (2024). Advances in diagnosis and treatment of vestibular migraine and the vestibular disorders it mimics. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 21(4), e00381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00381 

Blitshteyn S. (2023). Dysautonomia, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome as Migraine Comorbidities. Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 23(11), 769–776. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-023-01307-w 

Libonati, G. A., Leone, A., Martellucci, S., Gallo, A., Albera, R., Lucisano, S., Bavazzano, M., Chiarella, G., Viola, P., Galletti, F., Freni, F., Ciodaro, F., Marcelli, V., Tortoriello, G., di Santillo, L. S., Picciotti, P. M., Galli, J., Vitale, S., Quaranta, N., Cavallaro, G., … Graziano, G. (2022). Prevention of Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: The Role of Combined Supplementation with Vitamin D and Antioxidants. Audiology research, 12(4), 445–456. https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres12040045 

Schoenmaekers C, Jillings S, De Laet C, Zarowski A and Wuyts FL (2024) Guideline for standardized approach in the treatment of the Mal de Debarquement syndrome. Front. Neurol. 15:1359116. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1359116

Beh, S. C., Chiang, H. S., & Sanderson, C. (2021). The Interconnections of Mal de Débarquement Syndrome and Vestibular Migraine. The Laryngoscope, 131(5), E1653–E1661. https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.29214 

Xue, H., Wang, B., Meng, T., Zhao, S., Wang, Q., Zhang, X., Kang, M., & Xiang, W. (2021). Differences of Sleep Disorders Between Vestibular Migraine and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 726038. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.726038 

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