ICU - "I See You" - Vestibular Conversations
In the ICU ("I See You") podcast hosts Cynthia Ryan and Kimberly Warner explore the vestibular experience by facilitating conversations between vestibular patients and the health professionals who care for them. They invite patients to share their stories, and healthcare professionals to ask questions so they are equipped to care for, and truly see their patients. This podcast is a co-production of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) and Unfixed Media.
ICU - "I See You" - Vestibular Conversations
Vestibular Migraine
Welcome to this episode of the ICU Podcast, where we shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked world of vestibular migraine, a condition that affects more than half of all migraine sufferers at some point yet remains frequently misdiagnosed. Vestibular migraine can cause not only headaches but also vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and sensory sensitivities—making it a formidable challenge for both patients and clinicians. Today, we’re joined by two remarkable guests: a dedicated volunteer with the World Migraine Summit (taking place March 11 – 18) who brings lived experience and advocacy insight, and Dr. Brian Ward, a neurotologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Together, we’ll explore how lifestyle management, medication, and other targeted therapies can help restore balance and hope to those navigating vestibular migraine.
Guest Bios
Dr. Bryan Ward is a Neurotologist with Johns Hopkins University who specializes in treating inner ear and skull base disorders that cause dizziness, such as superior canal dehiscence syndrome, Meniere’s disease, and bilateral vestibulopathy. His research interests focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and interactions between strong magnetic fields and the inner ear. He also works with Dr. Charles Della Santina on the development of a vestibular implant.
Natanya Mandel is a migraine coach, mindfulness facilitator, and passionate patient-advocate whose own journey with frequent migraine attacks and disruptive neurological symptoms inspired her to shift her career and support others living with migraine and chronic pain. Natanya has volunteered with groups like Migraine Canada and the Migraine World Summit, facilitates virtual support groups, and helps people navigate the challenges of chronic migraine with compassion and evidence-informed guidance.