Balance Awareness Week 2023 - Triggering Environments

This year, Balance Awareness Week runs from September 17th-September 21st. This week is for raising awareness of balance disorders, which are otherwise invisible.

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. 

I am living with 2 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, and I become sensitive to light and sound. 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 

This Balance Awareness Week, I’m raising awareness of environments that people with vestibular (balance) disorders may find triggering. I hope that with more awareness, more people will have some understanding and empathy toward loved ones and colleagues who have a balance disorder.

What is a triggering environment? 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! It is important to note that not everyone with a balance disorder will find the same environments challenging.

Managing vestibular disorders

Most vestibular disorders are incurable, but there are coping strategies that can help 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 found that keeping a diary of my symptoms along with observations on the weather, food I’d eaten, sleep patterns, stress levels, etc. at the time of a flare-up helped me understand my triggers. When you have identified the things that cause your symptoms to spike, you can start taking simple steps to reduce the possibility of this happening, such as limiting stress levels or getting adequate rest. 

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?

I understand what it feels like to be dealing with a vestibular disorder and the practical and emotional challenges that come along with this.

In my coaching sessions, I can support you in managing life with a balance disorder. Through reflection and discussion, we can open up the pathway to moving forward positively. 

To tell me your story and see whether coaching could be for you, click the link below and we can get started!