Why Do You Feel Spacey? Dissociation and Vestibular Disorders (ICU - "I See You" Podcast, Ep 10)

Vestibular Disorders Association
Vestibular Disorders Association
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Published 2023-10-11
In the newest episode of the ICU - "I See You" podcast, guests Dr. Yonit Arthur and Melinda Reed join the hosts to dive into the unnerving vestibular symptom often referred to as Dissociation, Depersonalization and Derealization. These experiences are characterized by a sense of unreality and detachment from one’s surroundings, body, emotions, and self. These experiences are characterized by a sense of unreality and detachment from one’s surroundings, body, emotions and self. Some patients report feeling “strange and not in control of themselves” or “being spacey and out-of-body.” In other words, a very scary occurrence to have on top of the already challenging symptoms of dizziness.

This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media. unfixedmedia.com/

About the Guests:

Melinda Reed worked as an Occupational Therapist for thirty five years mostly in pediatrics. She was very active all her life with activities like hiking, biking, running and kayaking. In 2016 she was painting a ceiling for the better part of a day, and the following day woke with a very stiff neck and resulting positional vertigo. She continues to have episodic dizziness as well as neck pain, however, she keeps busy doing the activities she did in the past despite the dizziness. 3 years ago, she retired as an Occupational Therapist, but is also an artist and writer, as well as a part time real estate agent.

Dr. Yonit Arthur, AuD (or "Dr. Yo") is a board-certified audiologist, vestibular specialist, and mindbody coach who specializes in helping people with chronic, medically unexplained dizziness and other vestibular symptoms. As part of her commitment to helping as many people around the world as possible via free and low cost education, Dr. Yo has a YouTube channel and podcast called, The Steady Coach, and offers a completely free, comprehensive course to anyone suffering from chronic dizziness symptoms. You can learn more about her work on her website, thesteadycoach.com/.

VeDA relies on your support to help vestibular patients on their journey to find a life rebalanced. You can make a real difference by making a donation at vestibular.org/donate/

If you are experiencing vertigo, tinnitus, dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, or other balance-related symptoms, VeDA may be able to help. To learn more about vestibular conditions and get help finding a diagnosis, treatment, coping tools, and support visit vestibular.org/

For help finding a vestibular healthcare provider visit vestibular.org/healthcare-directory/

If you are a vestibular healthcare professional and want to reach more patients, join VeDA's Healthcare Provider Directory by becoming a member at vestibular.org/article/resources-for-professionals…. Additional benefits include patient education articles you can brand with your logo.

#LifeRebalanced #MakeVestibularVisible #Vertigo #Vestibular #Tinnitus #Dizzy #Balance
All Comments (7)
  • @PsiologaLilyValentina
    Dr. Yo... thank you. First time I have heard such detailed explanation on this condition. Just subscribed to your YT Chanel. Cynthia and Kim, thank you for this podcast. Melinda, thank you for sharing your story. I have felt exactly like you. Very useful information. Note: I am tapering benzos (prescribed to reduce anxiety, helped with my vestibular symptoms, but want to get off of these meds now). It has been hell on earth. Dizziness is back. I feel very spacey among many other symptoms. Xo
  • @jono_young_music
    Such a fantastic discussion ladies. Thanks for being here, and making some sense of these strange symptoms of Vestibular conditions. I really appreciate your work ✌️➕❤️
  • @danagadberry5129
    Yep I feel that way just slightly dizzy , lightheaded, I can still stand on one foot , but swerve alittle off n on! Have had stiff neck off n on too! And severe pulsating tinnitus, tinnitus intensified by 3 times when vertigo initially started. Audiologist and ent say I have some small something on right semicircular canal and cochlear area , MRI with contrast showed both regular so they said I’m fine and can go back to truck driving! Some days I think I can go hop back in semi and hit the road! Other days no ! Couple days ago I was definitely lightheaded. It seemed to happen day after tabata workout. Eyes are being weird! Blurry , noises like dishes smacking together are real loud . With or with out new hearing aids. The tinnitus is pulsating and is frustrating.Head feels clogged? Full?? Don’t know what to do next ? Got to work , preferably driving! But even though im released by ent . Im still getting headaches and blurry vision. My wife thinks im faking it !😂
  • @annekenealy3557
    This video really helped me understand more about the spaciness I can sometimes feel. It also energized me to be more proactive about putting myself in healthy, but challenging environments. For me, that’s walking to the subway in an urban setting, riding the train to work,dealing with a crowded, moving visual field. I can be completely worn out by the time I get to work, but I know this helps me be connected to my environment.
  • @hispoiema
    It's been 51 years for me. Began in 1982
  • @hisdaughtersonnetta9397
    Wow. Invisible symptoms are so, disrespected. That's why I never bothered to put words to my experiences nor share them aloud because I knew others would not get it yet I've made myself sound weird to them......getting into a f2f or virtual community with likeminded folks is everything. I never knew how unalone I was.....I never knew how legitimate my symptoms were......I just told myself your path in life is harder...deal with it....local PT's and counselors are like u need to breath better....destress😮. I hear you, I see you...u are not unheard❤