Balance Awareness Week - Triggering Environments
Balance Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the often invisible challenges of living with balance disorders, helping to bring these often misunderstood conditions into greater public awareness.
This year, as part of Balance Awareness Week, I’m raising awareness about environments that can be particularly challenging for people with vestibular (balance) disorders. My hope is that by spreading awareness, more people will gain a better understanding and show empathy toward loved ones and colleagues who have a balance disorder.
What Is a Vestibular Disorder?
The term “Vestibular disorder” refers to many different conditions that affect the inner ear and the parts of the central nervous system involved in maintaining balance. There are more than twenty-five known vestibular disorders each with its own unique challenges.
Personally, I live with two balance disorders: Ménière's disease and vestibular migraine. Both conditions come with their own challenges, but in general, they cause me to feel unsteady and disorientated. When my symptoms flare, the feeling of pressure in my ears and head increases, my tinnitus becomes more pronounced, I become sensitive to light and sound, and I feel off-balance. During these times, I find it difficult to concentrate, and I may forget what I was doing or saying. I also experience fatigue. Occasionally, I have vertigo attacks - a spinning sensation that sometimes causes me to drop to the floor. Flare-ups leave me feeling disorientated and exhausted.
Vestibular disorders can be unpredictable, meaning I sometimes have to cancel plans at the last minute. I find that a bad night's sleep, stress, and weather changes cause my symptoms to spike, which means I have to make sure I manage my stress levels and get enough rest.
Triggering Environments
What exactly is a triggering environment for someone with a vestibular disorder? According to the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) website, “For many vestibular patients, busy and bright environments like malls and grocery stores can cause dizziness. Others find that lighting, odors, noises, or patterns (on carpets, for example) can be problematic.”
Let’s take a look at some common offenders:
A supermarket aisle with rows of shelves on either side, a blue and white square-patterned floor, and people shopping.
An airport terminal with people sitting on seats, and checking in their luggage at the counter.
A shopping mall with 3 floors, 2 escalators and people shopping and eating.
All these environments have one thing in common: they are busy, creating sensory overload with too much happening at once for someone with a sensitive vestibular system to process. It is important to note that not everyone with a balance disorder will find the same environments challenging.
I find that certain supermarkets and stores with bright lighting, crowded shelves, and narrow aisles are particularly triggering for me. Sometimes, just stepping through the door is enough to know that my balance system will be challenged.
Managing Vestibular Disorders
While vestibular disorders are typically incurable, there are coping strategies that can significantly improve quality of life. According to the Ménière’s Society website, “There are several different measures you can take to help cope with dizziness. Treatment is usually aimed at reducing, controlling, and helping the symptoms.”
I have found that keeping a diary of my symptoms along with observations on the weather, food I've eaten, sleep patterns, stress levels, etc. at the time of a flare-up has helped me understand my triggers. Once you know your triggers, you can take steps to minimize them, like prioritizing rest, reducing stress, or avoiding specific environments when necessary.
I also work closely with a neurologist who is helping me find the right treatment for my vestibular migraine. Since migraine treatments can vary greatly from person to person, it often takes time and patience to find what works best. However, having the support of a neurologist who genuinely wants to help has been incredibly reassuring throughout this process.
To find out more about the different treatments available and for support for vestibular disorders, check out the Ménière’s Society and VeDA websites:
Ménière’s Society: https://www.menieres.org.uk/
VeDA: https://vestibular.org/
Need Some Support?
Living with a vestibular disorder can be isolating and challenging, both physically and emotionally. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Through my coaching sessions, I offer support in managing life with a balance disorder. Together, we can explore strategies for managing your symptoms, maintaining emotional resilience, and navigating the unpredictability of vestibular conditions.
If you’re ready to take steps toward a more manageable life with a vestibular disorder, I’d love to hear your story. Click the link below to book a free discovery call and see if coaching could be a helpful step forward for you.
