Vestibular Migraine, POTS, and the Road to Recovery with Laura Ehlers

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman sit down with Laura Ehlers to share a powerful, real-life story of chronic dizziness, plus the long road to obtaining answers in a healthcare system that often defaults to “it’s BPPV” or “it’s anxiety.” Laura walks us through how her symptoms evolved after being hit in the head and what her life looks like living with dizziness. She also shares the layered diagnoses that often show up together in complex dizziness cases—vestibular migraine, PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness), dysautonomia/POTS (Postural Tachycardia Syndrome), and hypermobility/EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), as well as the strategies that have helped her rebuild capacity. You’ll hear practical, experience-based advice on: How to advocate for yourself when you’re not being believed Why the right healthcare provider can be a game-changer Medication realities: from sensitivities to finding what works Guest: Laura Ehlers Instagram: @laurasnaturallife Hosted by: 🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS 🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Us: → ⁠⁠⁠Book a free call with us⁠⁠⁠: https://calendly.com/balancingactreha... → ⁠⁠⁠Get free resources straight to your inbox⁠⁠: https://www.balancingactrehab.com/sub... → ⁠⁠Join The Dizzy Reset™ for FREE: https://www.balancingactrehab.com/group → ⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠:   / balancingactrehab   → ⁠⁠⁠Follow us on TikTok⁠⁠⁠:   / balancingactrehab   → ⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Facebook⁠⁠⁠:   / balancingactrehab   → ⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠: https://www.balancingactrehab.com/dis... → ⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review: https://www.google.com/maps/place//da... Timestamps 01:11 Laura’s background: chronic migraine, holistic health, and early dizziness tools 02:37 Early warning signs: highway driving issues, tunnel vision, “is it anxiety?” 03:05 Vision therapy → severe spinning vertigo onset 04:33 Current symptoms: nonstop rocking/boat sensation + visual flow triggers 04:59 Life impact: driving intolerance, travel limits, parenting challenges 06:27 The advocacy problem: being believed, speaking the “right language” 07:52 Misconceptions in healthcare: “If Epley didn’t work, you’re anxious” 09:47 Resources that helped: clinicians online + vestibular education on social media 10:42 Why primary care matters: getting treated even without a supportive specialist 11:09 Diagnoses explained: vestibular migraine + PPPD + dysautonomia/POTS spectrum 12:07 Layering issues: infections, mold gene, mast cell activity 13:06 Clinician perspective: frustration when patients get conflicting medical input 14:31 Hope vs acceptance: living in the chronic illness “seesaw” 15:59 Biggest mindset tool: document wins to prove progress is happening 17:35 “Early whispers”: what Laura noticed (and what providers missed) 20:58 What helped most: rehab principles + sensory integration focus 21:20 Proprioception strategies: weighted inputs, holds, stomps, boots, blanket 22:46 Hyperbaric oxygen: regaining ability to read 23:15 Scaling exposure: “one sidewalk square at a time” 24:14 Breakthrough: walking on grass increased capacity 25:14 Histamine/mast cell stabilization: Zyrtec and sleep/sensory benefits 26:35 EDS/hypermobility: why screening matters in the “triad” conversation 28:40 Daily habits: caffeine consistency, electrolytes, potassium vs sodium insight 29:10 Nervous system work: somatic therapy + staying committed to movement 31:10 Mindset during flares: you’re not at square one; you’re stepping off the path 36:19 Encouragement for beginners: slow progress still adds up 37:45 Identity shift: grief + reinventing life (reading, painting, new interests) 39:06 Community: why 1:1 connections can beat unmoderated groups 41:30 Medication journey: fear, hesitancy, and why meds became a useful tool 44:55 Rescue meds (Ativan): pre-treating to participate in life moments 45:54 Micro-dosing approach: ultra-low starts + pharmacist check-ins 46:52 LDN + Zyrtec wins; sensitivity to other meds 48:40 Mic drop moments: what clinicians must understand + patient hope message This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host(s).