VeDA

Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1985. Its goal is to raise awareness of vestibular conditions, improve early diagnosis, and advocate for more efficacious treatment options.

Vestibular dysfunction itself is fairly common, with over 35% of adults in the United States who are over the age of 40 experiencing vertigo or a lack of balance. Some of these individuals develop a chronic vestibular disorder. The symptoms of disorders like these can affect people’s everyday quality of life. It can have not only physical effects but emotional ones as well.

Something that makes these conditions particularly difficult to navigate is that they are invisible. This means that people often don’t look sick, and therefore aren’t always taken seriously by those around them.

VeDA works to provide education, emotional support, and community for patients. They help to link patients with medical specialists, and publish clinically relevant and scientifically backed information.

2/3rds of VeDa members are patients and family members of patients. Other members include medical specialists such as physicians, physical therapists, and audiologists, who focus on vestibular conditions.

One of their most helpful resources is their online forum, where patients can come together and connect with others who are experiencing life the way they are.

About the Forum

The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) offers an online forum where people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and other symptoms of vestibular dysfunction can connect, learn, and share in a safe and anonymous environment. Moderators refer you to educational resources, while peers offer support and validation. People with invisible chronic illnesses, like vestibular disorders, often feel alone, isolated, and misunderstood. On VeDA’s forum, you can find people who “get” what you are going through and discover a community of support.

All of the posts are organized by topic which makes it incredibly easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Some of the topics include-

• Getting a diagnosis
• Types of vestibular disorders
• Patient stories
• Symptoms
• Treatments
• Dealing with grief
• Living with a vestibular disorder
• Working with a vestibular disorder

Sheldon says, “VeDA is an excellent medium for forum discussions. My greatest appreciation of VeDA is not only the educational information but the opportunity to meet other vestibular sufferers in my home state and around the world who provide me with personal support. This confirms that I am not alone, which is the greatest feeling!”