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Talk Dizzy To MeAuthor: Balancing Act Rehab
Were just two vestibuloholics excitedly bringing you a comprehensive view into the complex field of dizziness. Made for both clinicians and patients, were aiming to provide you with endless resources, tips & tricks, interviews with experts, and so. much. more. Hosted by Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Vestibular Migraine, POTS, and the Road to Recovery with Laura Ehlers
Episode 2
Tuesday, 20 January, 2026
In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman sit down with Laura Ehlers to share a powerful, real-life story of chronic dizziness, plus the long road to obtaining answers in a healthcare system that often defaults to “it’s BPPV” or “it’s anxiety.”Laura walks us through how her symptoms evolved after being hit in the head and what her life looks like living with dizziness. She also shares the layered diagnoses that often show up together in complex dizziness cases—vestibular migraine, PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness), dysautonomia/POTS (Postural Tachycardia Syndrome), and hypermobility/EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), as well as the strategies that have helped her rebuild capacity.You’ll hear practical, experience-based advice on:- How to advocate for yourself when you’re not being believed- Why the right healthcare provider can be a game-changer- Medication realities: from sensitivities to finding what worksGuest: Laura Ehlers Instagram: @laurasnaturallifeHosted by:🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: info@balancingactrehab.comConnect with Us:→ Book a free call with us→ Get free resources straight to your inbox→ Join The Dizzy Reset™ for FREE→ Watch podcast episodes (and more) on YouTube → Follow us on Instagram→ Follow us on TikTok→ Follow us on Facebook→ Disclaimer→ Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review!01:11 Laura’s background: chronic migraine, holistic health, and early dizziness tools02:37 Early warning signs: highway driving issues, tunnel vision, “is it anxiety?”03:05 Vision therapy → severe spinning vertigo onset04:33 Current symptoms: nonstop rocking/boat sensation + visual flow triggers04:59 Life impact: driving intolerance, travel limits, parenting challenges06:27 The advocacy problem: being believed, speaking the “right language”07:52 Misconceptions in healthcare: “If Epley didn’t work, you’re anxious”09:47 Resources that helped: clinicians online + vestibular education on social media10:42 Why primary care matters: getting treated even without a supportive specialist11:09 Diagnoses explained: vestibular migraine + PPPD + dysautonomia/POTS spectrum12:07 Layering issues: infections, mold gene, mast cell activity13:06 Clinician perspective: frustration when patients get conflicting medical input14:31 Hope vs acceptance: living in the chronic illness “seesaw”15:59 Biggest mindset tool: document wins to prove progress is happening17:35 “Early whispers” of symptoms20:58 What helped most: rehab principles + sensory integration focus21:20 Proprioception strategies: weighted inputs, holds, stomps, boots, blanket22:46 Hyperbaric oxygen: regaining ability to read23:15 Scaling exposure: “one sidewalk square at a time”24:14 Breakthrough: walking on grass increased capacity25:14 Histamine/mast cell stabilization: Zyrtec and sleep/sensory benefits26:35 EDS/hypermobility: why screening matters in the “triad” conversation28:40 Daily habits: caffeine consistency, electrolytes, potassium vs sodium insight29:10 Nervous system work: somatic therapy + staying committed to movement31:10 Mindset during flares: you’re not at square one; you’re stepping off the path36:19 Encouragement for beginners: slow progress still adds up37:45 Identity shift: grief + reinventing life (reading, painting, new interests)39:06 Community: why 1:1 connections can beat unmoderated groups41:30 Medication journey: fear, hesitancy, and why meds became a useful tool44:55 Rescue meds (Ativan): pre-treating to participate in life moments45:54 Micro-dosing approach: ultra-low starts + pharmacist check-ins46:52 LDN + Zyrtec wins; sensitivity to other meds48:40 Mic drop moments: what clinicians must understand + patient hope message
