Travel and Mobility Tips for Individuals with Balance Disorders
By Robin McDaniel, PT, DPT
Summer is a wonderful time for traveling, especially here in North Scottsdale. The outside temp has risen to over 110 and many of us are looking for ways to stay cool in the heat - including traveling up north or to cooler climates. However, if you are suffering from equilibrium disorders or are undergoing vestibular rehabilitation exercises, you might be nervous about how to travel without increasing your symptoms. Here are some tips to try and keep symptoms at bay!
These tips are compiled from my personal history with vestibular disorders treatment and from Vestibular.org (pdf link)
There are several obstacles to consider while traveling, particularly those that change the pressure of your sinus system, motion patterns, and visual sensitivity.
For motion sensitivity:
- Try to take breaks to stand and walk around if traveling by car. This allows your brain to recalibrate to level ground and give your inner ear a break from processing all the information of movement
- Avoid activities such as reading, spending time on your phone, computer work, or crafting (such as knitting or crochet) as this provides additional sensory information to your brain which can cause dizziness.
- When possible, focus outside on the horizon. This helps in both cars and on a boat as it provides visual confirmation to assist with processing the sensory information of movement. When possible, try to sit in the front seat
- Try motion sickness glasses. These provide an artificial horizon and visual confirmation of the fluid movement and sensory information that is provided by your inner ears. They are not the most fashionable and there are mixed reports on their comfort
- Motion sickness medication such as over the counter (OTC) Bromine, Drammamine, or prescribed meclizine) might be helpful to manage symptoms and nausea. Reach out to your primary care provider or your ENT who manages your vestibular disorder to see if this is appropriate for you.
- Avoid traveling on excessively winding roads if possible
For managing changes in pressures:
- Try to pay attention to pressure changes while on a flight to encourage the clearing in your eustachian tubes (popping your ears) which help to alleviate pressure. You can try to encourage this ‘pop’ with yawning, swallowing, or chewing. This is particularly helpful during takeoff in a plane or during the plane’s descent
- Decongestants such as OTC Sudafed or nasal sprays work to relieve pressure in the middle ear which can impact the inner ear. Many are over the counter and do not need a prescription, but if you are pregnant, have pre-existing cardiac conditions, anxiety, or are taking other sinus medications please consult your physician prior to attempting new medications
- Drastic changes in elevations, such as to a mountain area or scuba diving can increase pressure so be mindful of this while making travel plans
Other tips:
- If your vestibular dysfunction increases your balance challenges, make sure to plan ahead to bring assistive equipment as necessary such as walker, cane, or utilizing a friend/family member’s arm. After your balance assessment with a PT at FYZICAL, we can provide recommendations of assistive devices to keep you safe
- Busy, open areas such as airports, grocery stores, malls and parks can be more disorienting. Utilize a gaze focus strategy to keep your focus on objects more close to you to manage disorientation in these situations
- Be prepared to bring sunglasses or hats if you respond negatively to bright lights
If you are not currently undergoing vestibular therapy, please give us a call! We would be happy to provide you with vestibular rehabilitation exercises so you can love your life and traveling again.