Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA)

“Dizzy” is often used as one word,
but it can mean very different things.

Spinning
Unsteady
Lightheaded
Or just feeling off

Each of these can point to something different,
which is part of why dizziness can be hard to describe
and even harder to diagnose.

Understanding the difference
can help you better explain what you’re feeling.

Learn more here: https://vestibular.org/blog/not-all-dizziness-is-the-same/

Save this for reference 📌

June is MdDS Awareness Month.

Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a rare neurological and vestibular disorder that can leave people feeling like they are constantly rocking, swaying, or bobbing, even when standing still. Symptoms often begin after travel like a cruise, flight, or long car ride, but for some, the sensation doesn’t go away.

Because MdDS is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed, awareness matters.

This month, we’re helping shine a light on the experiences of people living with MdDS and the importance of education, research, and support for the vestibular community. 💙

🎥 Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuKE4wdhkT8&t=48s

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) Balance Disorder Foundation

This is life with MdDS Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS) is a neurological disorder that...

If you had to describe your vestibular migraine in one word, what would it be?

Overwhelming.
Unpredictable.
Exhausting.
Isolating.

Everyone’s experience is different, but these words tell a story.

We’re partnering with Avulux for our annual Migraine Awareness Month word cloud, and we want to hear from you.

Submit one word that describes your experience for a chance to win an Avulux gift card. 💛

Add your word here: https://vestibular.org/migraine-awareness-month/

Ask Fiona: Can impacted earwax cause dizziness?

It can.

When earwax builds up and blocks the ear canal, it can lead to symptoms like dizziness, a feeling of fullness, hearing loss, or ringing in the ear.

But here’s the important part—dizziness has many possible causes. Earwax might be part of the story, but it’s not always the whole explanation.

If earwax is contributing, treatment is usually simple and symptoms often improve once the blockage is removed.

If they don’t, it may be a sign that something else—like a vestibular condition—is also involved.

💛 Read more: https://vestibular.org/blog/looking-fine-almost-cost-me-my-healing/

Grief doesn’t always look the way we expect it to.

Sometimes it’s not about losing something completely,
but about missing what your life used to feel like.

Adjusting to a new normal can come with both progress
and grief at the same time.

Both are valid.

Getting a clear diagnosis for dizziness isn’t always simple.

Data from VeDA’s Patient Registry shows that about 66% of patients receive more than one vestibular diagnosis.

That’s because many vestibular conditions share similar symptoms,
like dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and nausea.

In some cases, conditions can overlap or occur together,
making the diagnostic process more complex than it seems.

This research helps highlight the real experiences of patients,
and why better awareness, training, and coordinated care are so important.

If your diagnosis has changed over time,
or you’ve been given more than one,
you’re not alone in that experience.

💛 Learn more: https://vestibular.org/blog/insights-from-veda-registry/

Crowded spaces can feel overwhelming for a reason 🧠

Your brain is working harder to process movement, track your surroundings, and stay oriented all at once 👀

That increased visual demand can make symptoms feel more intense in busy environments ⚡️

Understanding why this happens can help you better anticipate and manage triggers 🤝

Learn more: https://vestibular.org/article/coping-support/living-with-a-vestibular-disorder/visually-induced-dizziness-supermarket-syndrome/

PPPD is more common than many people realize.

An estimated 15–20% of individuals with vestibular symptoms develop PPPD, and up to 1 in 4 people may experience it after a vestibular event.

Understanding the connection between initial vestibular issues and persistent symptoms can help guide earlier recognition and support. 🧠

Learn more: https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/persistent-postural-perceptual-dizziness/