Talk Dizzy To Me

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, Dr. Dani Tolman, PT and Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS welcome back Sarah Renberg for her third appearance on the podcast. Sarah shares an inspiring update on her journey after a traumatic brain injury (TBI), vestibular dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction, ocular motor challenges, and more — and how she is now navigating medical school while continuing to manage her health. Sarah offers a powerful patient perspective on recovery, self-advocacy, support systems, and redefining progress after brain injury.

Episode Resources:
-Instagram: @Sren20
-Sarah’s 1st TDTM Episode 2021
-Sarah’s 2nd TDTM Episode 2023 

Sarah’s Team on TDTM:
-Dr. Appelbaum
-Dr. Keiser

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Partnered with:
→ Our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™, use code TALKDIZZYTOME for 40% off your first payment⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avulux glasses, use code DIZZYRESET for $25 off⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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Timestamps:
00:58 — Sarah’s TBI, vestibular symptoms & surgical history
02:53 — Understanding symptoms and protecting self-worth
04:40 — How the visual, vestibular, neck & autonomic systems connect
07:02 — Support systems & asking for help
12:31 — Identity shifts after brain injury
13:54 — Resilience vs. “recovery”
16:46 — Embracing hard moments without getting stuck
17:46 — Building systems and routines for success
20:06 — Navigating plateaus, setbacks & goals
22:21 — Rehab habits, consistency & reducing barriers
24:41 — Redefining progress and celebrating small wins
28:30 — Getting through low moments
31:50 — Managing grocery stores and sensory overload
35:43 — Self-advocacy in healthcare appointments
41:26 — What Sarah would tell her 2014 self
46:01 — Being brave enough to try
48:23 — A message for clinicians
49:23 — Resources, where to find Sarah & closing

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).

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Dani Tolman, PT welcome back Dr. Shin Beh for a deeper conversation on the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular migraine, Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), and Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS).These conditions can overlap, feel confusing, and leave patients feeling stuck in their recovery. Dr. Beh breaks down how he differentiates these diagnoses clinically, why vestibular migraine can precipitate PPPD symptoms, and how treatment plans need a whole-person approach.
Treatment plans may combine lifestyle optimization strategies, vestibular rehabilitation, medication or supplements, neuromodulation, stress management, and more... and should absolutely be individualized.
Whether you're living with chronic dizziness or treating patients with vestibular disorders, this episode offers a practical, compassionate look at why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery.

Episode Resources:
www.vestibularmd.com
Dr. Beh's Books: www.vestibularmd.com/about-dr-beh/books

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™. ⁠⁠⁠Use code TALKDIZZYTOME for 40% off your first month!⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Us:
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free call with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review!⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠Avulux glasses, use code DIZZYRESET for $25 off⁠⁠⁠

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).

Timestamps:
01:37 How vestibular migraine, PPPD, and MdDS are diagnosed
04:20 How these conditions overlap
06:29 Why patients can feel stuck in recovery
08:17 Vestibular migraine treatment approach
08:45 Lifestyle foundations for migraine management
10:07 Supplements for vestibular migraine
11:04 Medication and neuromodulation options
12:01 Addressing sleep apnea, neck pain, TMJ, iron, and hormones
14:44 How to layer treatment without the overwhelm
16:03 When supplements, rescue meds, or preventives may be appropriate
18:25 Medication sensitivity and starting low/slow
21:11 PPPD treatment approach
22:08 Vestibular therapy, movement, and visual desensitization
23:59 Medications and neuromodulation for PPPD
25:53 CBT and the dizzy-anxious cycle
26:45 Lab values, vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, and ferritin
32:31 Timolol eye drops for migraine rescue
33:53 MdDS treatment approach
34:22 Travel and MdDS
35:44 Therapy for MdDS
36:39 Defining progress beyond symptom reduction
39:05 Knowing when to use rescue medication
43:24 Why vestibular disorders affect more women
45:08 COVID, vestibular dysfunction, and fibromyalgia
48:30 Migraine-related ear symptoms and hearing changes
49:37 Vestibular migraine and vestibular test findings
51:02 Final advice for patients and clinicians

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT sit down with Dr. Yonit Arthur, AuD (aka The Steady Coach) to break down her approach to chronic dizziness recovery.

If you’ve been told “it’s just anxiety,” feel stuck with PPPD (Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness), vestibular migraine, or lingering dizziness... this episode may change how you think about healing.

We explore the role of the brain in chronic symptoms and how recovery is possible through neuroplasticity, not just medication or diagnosis labels.Whether you’re a patient or clinician, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable tools.

Episode Resources:
-thesteadycoach.com
-Free Healing Chronic Dizziness Course
-The Steady Coach's Youtube Channel

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™. ⁠⁠Use code TALKDIZZYTOME for 40% off your first month!⁠⁠

Connect with Us:
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free call with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get free resources straight to your inbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™, for FREE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch podcast episodes (and more) on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review!⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠Avulux glasses, use code DIZZYRESET for $25 off⁠⁠

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).

Timestamps
02:32 – Why traditional approaches to dizziness fall short
03:56 – Personal story: Dr. Yo's mom’s dizziness
06:47 – Why chronic dizziness is deeply misunderstood
09:38 – The harm of “it’s just anxiety” or endless testing
11:04 – Software vs hardware issues1
2:29 – Why symptoms are real
13:56 – Conditions like PPPD, vestibular migraine, and MdDS
16:41 – What makes someone more prone to chronic dizziness
18:01 – Nervous system sensitization explained
19:28 – The cycle that keeps you stuck
21:14 – Does modern society contribute to dizziness?
24:09 – Personality traits: people-pleasers & Type A
26:05 – Lifestyle factors: stress, screens, and overstimulation
27:21 – What does recovery actually look like?
27:49 – You are NOT broken
29:13 – Reframing symptoms: not the enemy
30:09 – Breaking the fear–symptom cycle
32:29 – Practical calming exercise (live demo)
40:01 – Why sitting with symptoms works
40:31 – Pillar #1: Acceptance (reprogramming the brain)
41:29 – Pillar #2: The “Stress Bucket”
46:17 – Pillar #3: Exposure & reducing avoidance
48:14 – The importance of individualized recovery
52:53 – Somatic tracking explained
54:50 – Final message: Hope & healing are possible

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Danielle Tolman PT are joined by Dr. Mickey Shah, PT, D.Sc. NCS, OCS, FAAOMPT, Dip. MDT; Certified Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist - Emory, AVPT (Pittsburgh) to unpack the connection between pain and dizziness.

Together, they explore how the neck plays a critical role in balance, why dizziness isn’t always vestibular, and how clinicians can better assess and treat patients with overlapping symptoms.

From real clinical insights to practical strategies, this episode bridges the gap between vestibular therapy, pain science, and musculoskeletal care—making it a must-watch for clinicians and patients alike.

Episode Resources:
www.EvidenceCEU.com
www.Goodliferehab.com
Midwest Vestibular Rehab Symposium

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™. ⁠Use code TALKDIZZYTOME for 40% off your first month!⁠

Connect with Us:
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free call with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get free resources straight to your inbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™, for FREE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch podcast episodes (and more) on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review!⁠
→ ⁠Avulux glasses, use code DIZZYRESET for $25 off⁠

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).

Episode Timestamps

01:26 From neuro rehab to orthopedic & vestibular care
05:18 Why dizziness & pain are not owned by one specialty
06:18 Definition of cervicogenic dizziness (updated understanding)
06:48 Prevalence: How common is it really?
08:14 Cervical spine involvement in dizziness cases
10:12 Why movement loss matters more than pain
11:36 Real-world complexity: vestibular + cervical overlap
14:20 Neck’s role in balance reflexes
17:12 Why function matters more than symptoms
19:07 Testing beyond standard vestibular exams
21:04 Why symptoms alone can mislead treatment
22:02 Helping patients understand the neck-dizziness connection
24:02 Real-life clinical example explained
26:28 Pain science vs dizziness: overlapping principles
27:55 Drivers of symptoms: stress, lifestyle, comorbidities
29:17 Functional neurological disorders & validation
30:41 Nervous system regulation strategies
32:09 Practical tools: breathing, guided imagery, small wins
33:35 Therapist challenges with patient buy-in
35:00 Posture tips that actually work
36:54 Simple, effective home exercise strategies
38:17 Clinical pearls: what clinicians must remember
39:15 Words matter: how language affects recovery
40:13 Using reassurance to reduce fear
41:35 Why joy and meaningful activity matter in recovery
44:06 Empowerment: patients can change and improve

In this episode of Talk Dizzy To Me, Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS is joined by vestibular and neuro experts Dr. Carly Lochala, PT, NCS and Dr. Sara MacDowell, PT to break down facial paralysis, including Bell’s palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and facial nerve recovery.

They dive into how facial paralysis affects not just movement, but also confidence, communication, and daily life... and what both clinicians and patients need to know about assessment, treatment, and recovery.

Key Takeaways:
- Facial paralysis is commonly caused by Bell’s palsy, but can also result from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, tumors, trauma, or infections
- The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls facial expression, taste, tear production, and more
- Recovery depends on degree of nerve damage, not just diagnosis
- You cannot “exercise” your way out of paralysis early on... the nerve must heal first
- Improper exercises or overstimulation can worsen recovery
- Facial paralysis has a major psychosocial impact
- There are treatment options—even long-term—despite common myths

Episode Resources:
⁠https://facialtherapyspecialists.com/⁠
⁠https://www.facialpalsy.org.uk/⁠
⁠http://bellspalsy.ws/⁠
​​⁠https://facialparalysisfoundation.org/bells-palsy/⁠Webinar:
⁠Sara's Webinar

Where to Find Sara: @dizzydiagnostics
Where to Find Carly: @balancingactrehab

Hosted by:
🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS
🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

For episode recommendations or requests, email us at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™. Use code TALKDIZZYTOME for 40% off your first month!

Connect with Us:
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a free call with us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get free resources straight to your inbox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our online program and community, The Dizzy Reset™, for FREE⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch podcast episodes (and more) on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
→ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a review!
→ Avulux glasses, use code DIZZYRESET for $25 off

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).