PodcastsHealth & WellnessGrounded | The Vestibular Podcast

Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

Dr. Madison Oak, PT, DPT
Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast
Latest episode

136 episodes

  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    135. Why the “Heal Your Headache Diet” Should Be Temporary

    14/04/2026
    Food and diet are talked about often in the vestibular world—especially with vestibular migraine (VM).

    People often wonder if they have food sensitivities, if they should be going on a migraine diet, if they have to go on a diet, or—if they have been on it—how to get back into exploring other food options.

    Let’s skip to the important part → There is no one size fits all answer for this!

    Today, you’ll discover what the “Heal Your Headache Diet” is, what might prompt you to try it, and the importance of adding food back into your diet.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    Common misconceptions about the “Heal Your Headache Diet”

    Best foods to eat with vestibular migraine 

    How many universal food triggers exist

    How to reintroduce food back into your diet

    When to reintroduce foods back in

    The histamine-estrogen-migraine connection

    How long is too long to be on the “Heal Your Headache Diet”

    Benefits people experience from the “Heal Your Headache Diet”

    The dietitian talk happening in VGF in May

    Other tools that could help you manage migraine

    As with everything with migraine, different approaches work for different folks! Trust your gut, take your time and focus on the areas that feel like high impact and high interest and take it from there. 

    And remember, we have trusted dietitians inside Vestibular Group Fit for this very reason!

    Links Mentioned:

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

    Low-tyramine diet: https://headaches.org/resources/low-tyramine-diet-for-individuals-with-headache-or-migraine/ 

    Anti-inflammatory diet: https://headaches.org/resources/anti-inflammatory-diet/ 

    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 [email protected]

    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.

    —————————————

    heal your headache diet, diet for vestibular migraine, migraine prevention diet, best diet for migraine, food and diet for vestibular disorder, food sensitivities, elimination diet, MCAS, processed foods, anti inflammatory foods, migraine management
  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    134. Questions to Ask Yourself About Potential Chronic BPPV

    07/04/2026
    Wondering if you have BPPV?

    For anyone with chronic dizziness, it can be really hard and distressing to figure out if that dizziness is a sign of Vestibular Migraine or BPPV.

    While it’s a great sign that more people are talking about chronic dizziness, not every dizzy sensation is BPPV.

    These are questions to start asking yourself along with an idea of when you should call your provider to be assessed for BPPV.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    How to know it’s time to reassess for BPPV or other possible conditions

    What does “positional dizziness” even mean

    What it could be if not BPPV

    Diagnostic criteria and symptoms specific to BPPV

    When to contact a provider to get assessed for BPPV

    Important notes if you’re doing any short-term tracking

    BPPV is really hard to diagnose—but not impossible.

    Keep these symptoms and notes in mind if you’re short-term tracking or if this is an area you’re trying to better understand about yourself. 

    Having the knowledge that you can handle it (because you have in the past) and that you have a plan and better idea of what to do, the faster you’ll feel in control and will be able to swiftly pick the best course of action. 

    Related Episodes:

    More on Building a VM Toolkit: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/130-treatment-strategies-for-spring-allergy-season-and-vestibular-disorders/

    On Discovering if it’s Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/119-difference-between-vestibular-migraine-and-bppv/

    What is the Prodrome Phase of VM: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/124-what-is-prodrome/

    Links Mentioned:

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

    Healing Vertigo App: https://www.healingvertigo.ca/healing-vertigo-app/

    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 [email protected]

    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: https://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.

    —————————————

    chronic BPPV, what’s BPPV, vestibular migraine and BPPV, bppv dizziness & balance, prevent BPPV, epley maneuver to treat bppv vertigo, chronic dizziness, chronic BPPV, BPPV treatment, BPPV diagnosis, BPPV symptoms, BPPV diagnosis, visual vertigo, nystagmus
  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    133. What to do After a Vestibular Migraine Attack or Flare

    31/03/2026
    What to do after a vestibular migraine attack or flare up is something we talk about in Vestibular Group Fit a lot!

    Flareups or migraine attacks can bring up a range of feelings. There are physical sensations that come with a vestibular condition and migraine attacks, but there’s also the emotional side of things.

    Today, we’re going to look at what comes up with a vestibular migraine attack, but most importantly… what you can do after a flare up.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    What the 4 phases of a vestibular migraine are

    What physical symptoms & emotions you’ll notice with migraine

    How long to scale back activity after a flare up

    What to know about the Wheel of Management from Vestibular Group Fit

    Movement to incorporate post migraine attack

    How to bring in mindset and nervous system regulation post-attack

    Flare ups happen. Considering what to do post-attack is going to be essential for you.

    These tools and strategies will continue to build your strength, resilience, and overall management.

    I know it can be challenging in the moment, but remember: you’re not starting from scratch.

    Related Episodes:

    Phases of Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.com/podcast/121-stages-of-vestibular-migraine-headache/

    Links Mentioned:

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

    Avalux Glasses (use code: VERTIGODOC): https://avulux.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 [email protected]

    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: https://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.

    —————————————

    vestibular migraine attack, migraine flare up, migraine attack, what to do after a migraine attack, chronic condition, living with vestibular migraine, signs and symptoms, manage vestibular migraine, postdrome phase, toolkit, threshold theory, nervous system regulation
  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    132. Tips to Feel Safe Walking or Hiking with Chronic Dizziness

    24/03/2026
    If you had to choose 1 exercise to do forever, hiking is a great choice!

    But if you’re living with a vestibular disorder or chronic dizziness, you may not always feel safe doing this activity.

    Today, we’re exploring how you can feel safe walking and hiking. The weather is getting nicer and it’s a time many of us want to get outside!

    And these are both activities talked about a lot inside Vestibular Group Fit. So let’s talk about it…

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    Benefits of walking or hiking for fitness

    Steps to start small and work your way up

    Tips for walking or hiking with others

    Best practices for after a walk or hike

    Supportive wearable tech and clothing options

    What to know if you’re walking with your dog

    Remember, we’ve got a Return to Walk Program inside VGF that is filled with even more tips and best practices to help you feel safer walking and hiking!

    Small, sustainable movement can lead to big change over time, you got this! 

    Links Mentioned:

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

    Avalux glasses (use code VERTIGODOC for 25% off): https://avulux.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 [email protected]

    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: https://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.

    —————————————

    walking safety tips, living with vestibular disorder, exercises to improve balance, safe hiking, safe hiking tips, feel safe, vestibular disorder symptoms, return to walking, return to hiking, driving with vestibular disorder, how to get back into driving
  • Grounded | The Vestibular Podcast

    131. Do I need to take an SSRI or SNRI for PPPD?

    17/03/2026
    Taking an SSRI or SNRI is considered the gold standard for PPPD treatment. But is it?

    Honestly, it depends. (And you know we’re gonna take a look at the research!)

    A lot of people are really sensitive to medication or simply don’t want to take it.

    And while you don’t need to take medication—it could be helpful. It could also not be helpful.

    To get to the best answer for your unique situation, it involves considering your specific wants and needs, goals, and timeline.

    In this episode, we’ll dig into:

    What the research says about the efficacy of SSRIs and SNRIs for treating PPPD

    Why SSRI/SNRIs are being considered as a treatment tool to begin with

    The relationship between our nervous system and dizziness

    Real world examples of how your brain tries to protect you

    New module that’s coming to Vestibular Group Fit this year

    How an SSRI or SNRI can help treat PPPD

    Things to do aside from meds to help regulate the nervous system

    The first step of better managing PPPD

    No, you can’t think your way out of chronic dizziness, but your brain and the way you’re thinking about things does have a big impact on your vestibular disorder.

    There is no right or wrong way to go about treating PPPD, vestibular migraine, or any other vestibular disorder.

    And… it’s expected for things to be changing and shifting as you try treatment methods, learn new things, or other goals or priorities force you to change your plan a bit.

    Things can get better! I see it every week inside Vestibular Group Fit! We’d love to see you in there.

    Links Mentioned:

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

    Citations:

    Maximilian Maywald, Oliver Pogarell, Susanne Levai, Marco Paolini, Nadja Tschentscher, Boris Stephan Rauchmann, Daniela Krause, Sophia Stöcklein, Stephan Goerigk, Lukas Röll, Birgit Ertl-Wagner, Boris Papazov, Daniel Keeser, Susanne Karch, Agnieszka Chrobok,Neurofunctional differences and similarities between persistent postural-perceptual dizziness and anxiety disorder,NeuroImage: Clinical,Volume 37,2023,103330,ISSN 2213-1582, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103330. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213158223000190)

    Bingel U, Wanigasekera V, Wiech K, Mhuircheartaigh RN, Lee MC, Ploner M, Tracey I. The effect of treatment expectation on drug efficacy: Imaging the analgesic benefit of the opioid remifentanil. Sci Transl Med. 2011;3 doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3001244.

    Those with chronic pain undergoing pain reprocessing theory found relief in symptoms but also changes in brain activity (citation here)

    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 [email protected]

    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: https://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.

    —————————————

    ssri vs snri, ssri for PPPD, snri for PPPD, medication for pppd, chronic dizziness, mindset shift, mindset and chronic illness, PPPD treatment options, dizzy anxious dizzy cycle, PPPD and anxiety, neuroplasticity, nervous system and dizziness, chronic pain, vestibular migraine and PPPD

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Vestibular Physical Therapist, and the founder of The Vertigo Doctor
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