When Vertigo Becomes A Life Disruptor: A Mold Related Mystery Unfolding…

SHE WILL CONQUER!

When Vertigo Becomes a Life Disruptor: A Mold-Related Mystery Unfolds

Sometimes the body whispers—and sometimes it shouts. One of our newest patients came to us at TLC after 15 long months of what can only be described as a physical and emotional rollercoaster. At first, it was a slow, swaying sensation, like she was constantly on a boat. But by August, that motion turned into a disturbing bounce. The floor felt like a trampoline. The bed dipped beneath her. The world shifted, and her body was not okay.

This wasn’t just vertigo. This was vestibular migraine, and it was taking over her life.

She’d already been through a maze of doctors—neurologists, ENTs, ER visits, and hospital stays. Every medication seemed to worsen her symptoms. Nausea became her constant companion, often leaving her unable to walk without vomiting. Despite her desperate efforts to connect the dots, things only grew more confusing. Was it the double dose of a CGRP inhibitor? A side effect from a new prescription? The trigger remained hidden in the shadows.

But then… the mold came into focus.

Her home tested high for mold. Her workplace—years spent in portable classrooms and musty environments—suddenly didn't seem so innocent either. Several colleagues had unexplained or tragic illnesses. Her son, a firefighter, heard similar stories of mold-related illness in his own department. For the first time, the puzzle pieces started to line up.

As functional medicine practitioners, we understand how environmental toxicity—especially from mold—can disrupt the nervous system, the immune system, and yes, even cause vestibular migraines and debilitating vertigo. This story is not uncommon, and it’s one we’re determined to change.

What makes this case especially moving is her motivation: her first grandchild is on the way. Her daughter is due in June, and she’s determined to be in the delivery room—standing up, smiling, fully present, and not clutching a barf bag.

We are mapping a clear, personalized path forward for her. We've started detoxification gently, with targeted supplements like glutathione and omega-3s. We’re supporting her nervous system, restoring her gut health, and preparing her body for deeper mold detoxification. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—especially when you’re this sensitive. But there's a method to the madness, and more importantly, there's hope.

Healing from mold illness and vestibular migraine is not always a straight line—it’s often two steps forward, one step back. But we’re walking this path together, guiding her out of the fog and back to herself.

She’s already shown incredible strength. Now, with the right support, we know she’ll find her way through. The finish line? Holding her grandbaby with clear eyes, steady feet, and a grateful heart.

What is a Vestibular Migraine?

Vestibular migraines are a neurological condition that affects the inner ear and brain, resulting in dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and balance problems. Unlike classic migraines, these may not involve head pain. Symptoms can last from minutes to days and may include:

• Sensitivity to motion or light

• Feeling unsteady or like the floor is moving

• Nausea or vomiting

• Visual disturbances

• Brain fog or fatigue

Triggers vary widely—stress, hormone shifts, diet, lack of sleep, and environmental toxins like mold can all play a role.

What is Mold Illness (CIRS)?

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), commonly referred to as mold illness, is a condition triggered by exposure to biotoxins—most commonly from water-damaged buildings. In genetically susceptible individuals, mold toxins can lead to a cascade of inflammation, affecting the brain, gut, immune system, and more.

Common symptoms include:

• Brain fog and memory issues

• Fatigue and weakness

• Sinus congestion or chronic infections

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

• Gastrointestinal symptoms

• Temperature regulation issues

Diagnosis involves a combination of environmental testing (like ERMI or HERTSMI-2), lab panels, symptom scoring, and visual contrast testing (VCS). Treatment is multi-layered and often includes:

• Removing exposure

• Binding toxins

• Supporting detox pathways

• Repairing gut and immune health

• Addressing co-infections and inflammatory triggers

If you’ve been struggling with unexplained dizziness, nausea, migraines, or a long list of symptoms that don’t add up—don’t give up. You may be reacting to something in your environment, and we are here to help you find the missing pieces.

Let’s get you back to steady ground. Your comeback is waiting.