Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

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 

treatment for vestibular migraine, botox for vestibular migraine, living with vestibular migraine, VM, CGRP medications, CGRPs for migraine, BPPV, PPPD, chronic dizziness, vestibular group fit, VGF, migraine management

Histamine and MCAS are everywhere on the internet right now, but there’s a huge piece missing from the conversation. Genetics.

In this episode, I’m joined by two board-certified genetic counselors, Natalie Samson and Sarah Upp of Golden Genetics. They’re here to break down what’s going on at a DNA level when it comes to histamine intolerance, MCAS, connective tissue disorders, and the symptoms so many vestibular warriors are navigating.

The biggest takeaway might just be how you can start advocating for yourself with your providers (especially if these things are new to them). This one is dense, practical, and unlike any conversation I’ve had on this podcast before.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

How genetic changes affect how your body works

How your environment and genetics work together

The pentad super syndrome

Why weak connective tissue may be at the root of these overlapping conditions

What happens when the DAO and HMT genes aren’t working well

Where histamine comes from and how to empty it

The barn analogy for understanding mast cell stabilization

Why a low histamine diet isn’t meant to be forever

Foods to add in that lower histamine

The two panels Golden Genetics recommends

Why methylation matters for histamine breakdown

What to do when testing for MCAS doesn’t give clear answers

How to advocate for yourself when a provider dismisses MCAS as a social media diagnosis

The ongoing research between Golden Genetics and the vestibular migraine community

How to use the 2026 MCAS guidelines flowchart at your next appointment

Histamine intolerance and MCAS aren’t just about what you’re eating. 

They’re rooted in your genetics, and understanding your specific DNA can help you stop guessing and start identifying the right interventions for your body.

Related Episodes:

Toxic Products That May Be Making Your Dizziness Worse w/ Dr. Zach Spiritos: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/53-toxic-products-that-may-be-making-your-dizziness-worse/  

Meet Natalie Samson & Sarah Upp

Natalie Samson and Sarah Upp are both board-certified genetic counselors and the team behind Golden Genetics, an integrative genetic counseling practice. They specialize in helping people understand their DNA, order the right tests and turn results into a personalized action plan—with a special focus on histamine, inflammation, connective tissue, and nutrigenomics. 

Natalie founded Golden Genetics to bring genetics into the integrative health conversation, and together she and Sarah are currently conducting research on the genetic links to vestibular migraine.

Connect w/ Natalie Samson & Sarah Upp:

Website: www.goldengeneticshealth.com 

What is a logistics call with Golden Genetics? https://goldengenetics.practicebetter.io/#/652843bfc5600d631946d7b9/bookings?r=67d88822ff4b8cf37956c65d&step=services

Book a logistics call with Golden Genetics: https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/book-a-discovery-call-1

Pre-test session with Sarah: https://goldengenetics.practicebetter.io/#/687574970c2232e0dccceef5/bookings?r=69bb16570d392e7826c8903b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldengeneticshealth 

Links Mentioned:

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

2026 MCAS Guidelines flowchart: https://www.mastcellaction.org/assets/_/2025/04/01/d6de24e1-f6f6-4248-a3f4-12866d7bf713/mast-cell-activation-syndrome-mcas-a-primary-care-guide-final.pdf

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.

is histamine intolerance genetic, genetics and mcas, genetics and histamine, genetic counselors, vestibular migraine, VM, chronic dizziness, PPPD, nervous system regulation, migraine management, vestibular group fit, VGF

If you have a vestibular disorder, there’s a good chance your thyroid is part of the story. 

You know I love bringing in other qualified professionals to dig deeper on these more nuanced topics, so for this conversation we have Registered Dietitian and fellow Hashimoto’s patient, Alisha Knicely!

She breaks down all things thyroid—what Hashimoto’s is, how it’s different from hypothyroidism, what optimal labs look like, how gut health and leaky gut are connected to autoimmune conditions, and what you can do about all of this.

We also touch on gluten, dairy, mold, and water quality. You’re going to want to bookmark this one because it’s jam packed!

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

How Alisha became a Hashimoto’s patient turned registered dietitian

Hyperthyroidism vs. hypothyroidism

What’s included in a full thyroid panel

How to understand optimal vs. conventional lab ranges

When to consider medication

How thyroid hormones impact every single cell in the body

Chronic vs. acute inflammation

Practical, sustainable steps to lower inflammation naturally

The elimination diet and reintroduction approach

The best way to address leaky gut

Why you should consider the GI Map stool test

Why water quality matters especially for thyroid patients

Alisha’s personal mold story and how she cleared her mycotoxin levels

Air quality, infrared sauna, and other mold detox resources

Whether it’s your thyroid, your gut, your water, or the air you’re breathing, the root causes are addressable and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Related Episodes:

Ep 91 Mold & Dizziness: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/91-mold-dizziness-what-you-need-to-know/

Meet: Alisha Knicely, RD

Alisha Knicely is a Registered Dietitian, certified in Integrative and Functional Medicine, and a fellow Hashimoto’s patient of nearly a decade. Her own experience navigating an autoimmune thyroid diagnosis (and not getting the answers she needed) led her to specialize in thyroid and hormonal health. She helps clients get to the root of their Hashimoto’s through nutrition, gut health, lifestyle and functional testing so they can finally start feeling like themselves again.

Connect w/ Alisha Knicely:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisha_thyroid_rd/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisha_thyroid_rd

Links Mentioned:

Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit (which is where you’ll find the Histamine Webinar with Isabel Smith where we talked water filters)

Alisha’s Instagram post on optimal labwork mentioned: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbqf3TqjoAD/

Dr. Jill Crista’s mold detox resource: https://drcrista.com/

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.

hashimoto’s and gut health, integrative functional medicine, autoimmune thyroid condition, thyroid dietitian, graves disease, vestibular migraine, chronic dizziness, hormone health, gut issues, lifestyle changes, optimal lab values, migraine management