IN THIS ISSUE

  • SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 26 — Facebook Live Presentation on Cervicogenic Dizziness 

  • Migraine Glasses: Can They Help Me Feel Less Pain?

  • What's in the NEW On the Level Winter 2021 Newsletter?

  • Volunteers Needed for Duquesne University Research Study

  • Looking Forward to Steps-2-Balance — May 16-22, 2021

  • We 💕 Our Affiliates

  • Support Groups

Cervicogenic dizziness and neck pain

SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 26 Facebook Live Presentation on Cervicogenic Dizziness

Join VeDA for a conversation about cervicogenic dizziness, how it is diagnosed and treated, and who you should consult for help. Cervicogenic dizziness is a difficult and sometimes controversial diagnosis because there is no single diagnostic test to confirm that it is the cause of dizziness experienced by people who also suffer neck pain. In many instances dizziness decreases as the neck pain decreases. 

Friday, February 26, 2021
9-9:45 a.m. PST

Facebook Live Presentation on Cervicogenic Dizziness
with Dr. Nicole Acerra, PT, and Cynthia Ryan, VeDA Executive Director
Link: fb.me/e/3AzxBC6rD

Dr. Nicole Acerra, PT, is a physiotherapist with Vancouver Coastal Health in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and a member of VeDA’s Patient Education Committee. She has over 20 years’ clinical experience treating patients in acute and outpatient settings across Canada, the United States, and Australia. 

Specially tinted eyeglasses made by Axon Optics can help reduce migraine pain caused by light sensitivity.

Migraine Glasses: Can They Help Me Feel Less Pain?

Photophobia causes Meagen from Illinois to get at least 10 migraines a month. “I work in a hospital and go to pharmacy school," Meagan says, "so I attribute a lot of screen time and exposure to fluorescent lights as the triggers for my migraines.”

Photophobia, or extreme light sensitivity, and migraine are closely linked. Fortunately, many migraine sufferers have discovered eyeglasses with a special tint proven to reduce the pain and frequency of migraines caused by light sensitivity.

NEW On the Level Winter 2021 Newsletter

The new issue of VeDA's quarterly newsletter was recently delivered to all supporters who have donated $40 or more during the past year. Articles include:

  • PATIENT SPOTLIGHT on vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) impairment
  • LIGHT SENSITIVITY: What does it mean when your eyes are sensitive to light?
  • NEW RESEARCH: Balance performance when responding to visual stimuli in patients with BPPV
  • COPING + SUPPORT: New Year’s Resolutions 
  • 2021 ACTION PLAN: New resources and the second Virtual Vestibular Conference

On the Level is frequently cited by donors as their favorite benefit for becoming a member of VeDA's Community of Support. 

Cover of the Winter 2021
Vestibular Patient Volunteers Needed for Duquesne University research study

Volunteers Needed for Duquesne University Research Study 

Researchers at Duquesne University are conducting a study looking at the way language contributes to the physical and emotional experiences in people with vestibular disorders. They hope this information will help people living with vestibular dysfunction.

The researchers are looking for 20 volunteers to answer a series of questions about their vestibular symptoms and experiences. There are minimal risks associated with participating in this study, no greater than those encountered in everyday life. Some of the questions will ask you about your experiences with anxiety, or to imagine how anxious a scenario might make you, which may make you feel some increased anxiety. 

There is no cost to participate in this research project. However, by participating you can elect to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.

If you have questions about participating, please email Kate Abrams, MA, PhD candidate, at abramsk1@duq.edu, or sign up to volunteer at the link below.

Steps-2-Balance is coming May 16-22, 2021

Steps-2-Balance Set for May 16-22, 2021

For those who are taking steps forward — however large or small — on their journey back to balance, Steps-2-Balance Week is for you. Taking place this year from May 16-22, VeDA's annual event celebrates the steps you're taking with others who are struggling to understand vestibular dysfunction and find their own way back to balance.  

During the week, VeDA will inspire the global community of vestibular patients in setting personal balance-related goals. While many vestibular patients are restricted in their everyday mobility, we also know that many forms of exercise or movement can help patients improve their balance. 

Thank you to this year's sponsor, Urban Poling! Urban Poling's ACTIVATOR℗ Poles are designed to support balance during rehabilitation. VeDA supporters receive 10% off through this link. 

STAY TUNED for more information about activities and events taking place during the week. If you'd like to set up a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, please contact Michelle Eyres at michelle.eyres@vestibular.org.

Sponsored by

WE 💕 OUR AFFILIATES

VeDA partners with companies whose products and services support vestibular patients on their journey back to balance. When you shop at one of VeDA's affiliates, a portion of your purchase is donated to VeDA. Our affiliates also help VeDA raise awareness about living with vestibular dysfunction through their websites and other outreach.

Amazon Smile

Did you know that you can support VeDA while shopping for your valentine? Simply start shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/93-0914340 to confirm "Vestibular Disorders Association" as your charity of choice, and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your purchases to VeDA. 

Urban Poling

Many people with vestibular (inner ear and brain) balance dysfunction struggle with chronic balance problems and are unable to walk unassisted. Having a tool like walking poles ensures that they can exercise safely and assist in their recovery. Urban Poling's ACTIVATOR℗ Poles are designed for rehabilitation to support balance. Get 10% off through VeDA. Urban Poling also donates a portion of its proceeds to support balance awareness and patient education.

Did you know migraine attacks and sensitivity to light could be aggravated by just a small portion of the light spectrum? Therapeutic eyewear can be an effective and natural way to relieve symptoms from vestibular disorders and get your life back! Research studies have shown that Axon Optics glasses block the light that aggravates painful light sensitivity and migraine attacks. Use discount code VDQ410DIS and you will receive $10 off, PLUS 20% will be donated to VeDA. 

Make Vestibular Visible by Wearing Official VeDA Apparel

Purchasing VeDA merchandise is not only a great way to raise awarness of vestibular disorders, but also a great way to support VeDA and give back to the vestibular community. Help us making "vestibular" visible!

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

Otonomy recruitment for Meniere's study banner

Otonomy is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics for neurotology. Currently, Otonomy is conducting a statistical analysis plan for the Phase 3 trial of OTIVIDEX in Ménière’s disease, plans for a Phase 2 trial of OTO-313 in tinnitus.

A corporate sponsor of the Vestibular Disorders Association, Otonomy is pioneering the application of drug delivery technology to the ear, addressing important unmet medical needs including Ménière’s disease, hearing loss, and tinnitus. For more information visit www.otonomy.com.

 

UPCOMING SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS

COVID-19 News: Some support groups are cancelled, while others have set up online meeting rooms. Please check with the support group facilitator for more information.

Support groups provide a unique and critical service: acceptance. Following is a list of upcoming support group meetings scheduled through the end of next month. Dates, times and locations are subject to change without notice; you may want to contact the support group leader to confirm meeting details. You can also:

 

EVERY WEEK: Sunday evenings 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Eastern Time

Vestibular & Chronic Illness Video Chat Support Group

Location: ONLINE - visit the Facebook Group for details

Support Group Leader: Kelsey Flint, (231) 645-5033, flint.kelsey@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 | 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Online Support Group III (Pacific Time Zone)
Support Group Leader: David Morrill
To join virtually: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/dmorrillvedaambassador
Or call: (425) 436-6334 Access Code 481725

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
Conde Center for Chiropractic Neurology Support Group
Location: Conde Center for Chiropractic Neurology, 401 W Atlantic Ave #014, Delray Beach, FL 33445
Support Group Leader: Dr. John Conde, info@thecondecenter.com
Please call to RSVP (561) 330-6096.

Thursday, February 18, 2021 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM    
Dayton Area Vestibular Support Group 
Support Group Leader: Sarah Conover, (937) 890-9235, sarahpt@dizzycoach.com     
Please contact Sarah for more information and link to the meeting.

Saturday, February 20, 2021 | 2:30 PM-4:00 PM    
Kansas City Area Support Group
Location: Turning Point 8900 State Line Road, Leawood, KS 66206 (online currently)
Support Group Leader: Susan Tucker, (913) 825-9827, susantucker@kc.rr.com
This meeting will be held online. Please email Susan for more information and link to the meeting.

Monday, February 22, 2021 | 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
Balance Chicago Vestibular Support Group
Location: Balance Chicago, 1 E Erie St #225, Chicago, IL 60611
Support Group Leader: Michele Kehrer, PT, DPT, ATC, (773) 525-5200, michele@balancechicago.com
This meeting will be held online. Please contact Michele for more information and link to the meeting.
Guest Hosts: Dr. Kylie Schmidlkofer and Dr. Maria Brady.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Fort Myers FYZICAL Support Group    
Location: FYZICAL Physical Therapy & Balance Center, 13010 Metro Pkwy., Fort Myers, FL 33966    
Support Group Leader: Dr. Grace Berry, (239) 561-5616, gberry@fyzicalswfl.com

Wednesday, February 24, 2021 | 7:30 PM-8:30 PM    
Denver Dizzy Clinic    
Location: Park Hill Public Library, 4705 Montview Blvd., Denver, CO 80207    
Support Group Leader: Redmond Cole, rdc037@gmail.com
Contact Redmond for more info.
                                            
Saturday, February 20, 2021 | 1:00 PM-2:00 PM    
Mount Pleasant Charleston Dizzy Group
Location: Mount Pleasant Library, 1133 Mathis Ferry Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464    
Support Group Leader: Stephanie Sams, (843) 813-6735, stephsams@comcast.net

Tuesday, March 02, 2021 | 11:00 AM-12:00 PM    
Online VeDA Support Group I, Eastern Time Zone
Support Group Leader: Sarah Conover
To Access Meeting: https://www.freeconferencecall.com/wall/sarahmconover  
Or Call: (701) 802-5026 Access Code 5193696

Wednesday, March 03, 2021 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM    
Life Is A Balance Support Group
Location: Pathway Community Church, 1731 W Philadelphia St., York, PA 17408
Support Group Leader: Ms. Teena Hittie, (717) 332-6340, aarthittie@superpa.net
    
Monday, March 08, 2021 | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM    
VeDA Online Support Group II, Eastern Time Zone
Support Group Leader: David Morrill    
To Access Meeting: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/dmorrillvedaambassador
Or call (605) 313-6208 Access Code 793975

Tuesday, March 09, 2021 | 7:00 PM-8:00 PM    
Ohio State University Vestibular Support Group
Location: Ohio State Outpatient Care, 920 N Hamilton Rd., Conference Room 801, Gahanna, OH 43230
Support Group Leader: Chaundra Catrone, (614) 366-0722, chaundra.catrone@osumc.edu
This meeting will be held virtually. Please contact Chaundra for more information and link to the meeting.  

Wednesday, March 10, 2021 | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM    
Portland Support Group    
Location: Tabor Space in the Art Space Room, 5441 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97215     
Support Group Leader: Susan Barthel, (971) 322.9025, sbarthelpdx@gmail.com
This meeting will be held virtually.  Please contact Susan for more information and link to the meeting.

Join VeDA's Global Community of Support

If you'd like VeDA to present more events like the Virtual Vestibular Conference, please consider making a donation or purchasing the conference replays. Your support allows us to create unique content for the vestibular community. Here's what folks are saying about the conference: 

"I am very thankful to this conference. It is such a blessing and privilege to have this resource and information to guide me through this ordeal and not feeling so alone and weird to have this invisible disease."

"It was so informative! Now I know what my difficulties are & who my people are. A great relief."

"I thought all the presentations were so well organized and so educational. I learned so much.... We need more of these to help one another to not feel so alone in their vestibular issues. The more we can be educated the more we will heal."

 

Vestibular Disorders Association
5018 NE 15th Ave.  | Portland, Oregon 97211
(800) 837-8428 | info@vestibular.org

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