In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we’ll discuss how the brain interacts with the body and the specialized type of healthcare provider who studies this interaction. Chiropractic neurology, also known as functional neurology, is a specialty that branches from the traditional chiropractic methods. You might think of a conventional chiropractor as someone who performs manual adjustments on the neck and spine. Chiropractic neurologists aim to optimize neurological functions by leveraging the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt. Chiropractic neurology offers a holistic approach for assessment and therapeutic interventions that may benefit patients with vestibular symptoms. By examining how brain function interacts with other bodily systems, chiropractic neurology can begin to unravel complex health conditions.

In today’s ICU episode, we’re exploring an important and often overlooked topic: how menopause can impact people living with a vestibular disorder. Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the inner ear and brain function, often intensifying symptoms like dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, and migraines. For those already managing a vestibular condition, this transition can bring new challenges — but also new opportunities for understanding and support. In this episode, we’ll dive into the connections between hormonal shifts and vestibular health and offer insights on how to navigate this complex time with greater resilience and hope.

Speakers:

Lara Bishop: Lara is a mother of twins who was diagnosed with vestibular migraines in 2012, vestibular neuritis in 2013, and PPPD in 2018 — all of which have been profoundly life-changing. Coping with invisible illnesses has been a challenging journey, often difficult for her family and friends to understand fully. In addition to her vestibular disorders, Lara also lives with Anxiety, panic Disorder, depression, as well as some other chronic conditions. Over the years, she has made significant lifestyle changes to help manage her conditions, including participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), adopting a regular routine of daily exercise such as biking and weight training, and making critical dietary adjustments.

Lara is passionate about raising awareness of debilitating vestibular conditions, supporting fellow sufferers, and educating both the general public and medical professionals. Despite the many challenges she faces, she maintains a positive outlook on life and is determined to share her optimism and motivation with others.

See Lara’s presentation to the British Association of Audiovestibular Physicians on Vestibular Migraine in women - The Hormone Connection here: https://youtu.be/cVsVhtISFB8?si=VSUm2AB4NnIrOATg.

Heather Bartos: Dr. Heather Bartos is an OB/GYN, menopause specialist, author, and speaker, recognized as one of the nation’s top five experts in menopause by Oprah Winfrey and Maria Shriver. Her mission is to dismantle the taboos surrounding menopause and sexuality, empowering women through transformative midlife transitions. Her latest book, Quickies: 100 Little Lessons to Living Sexily Ever After in Midlife, is out to rave reviews. Her diverse background, spanning PR, medicine, and Reiki practitioner, as well as her service in the Navy, underscores her holistic and personalized approach to healthcare. Featured in Shape, Glamour, Refinery29, ABC News, and more, her insights are pivotal in changing the narrative around midlife and menopause. Cosmo magazine celebrates her as a ‘supremely badass gyno,’ highlighting her significant impact on women’s health advocacy.

Learn more about Heather Bartos at https://heatherbartosmd.com.

Welcome to the ICU podcast, where we illuminate invisible chronic illnesses and the people who live with them. In this episode, we’re spotlighting Balance Awareness Week, an annual event hosted by the Vestibular Disorders Association each September. This global campaign raises awareness about the impact of vestibular disorders—conditions that affect balance, dizziness, and spatial orientation—and connects patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals through education and advocacy. In this episode, we talk with Paul Morris, VeDA’s Development Director, about how people can get involved in Balance Awareness Week, as well as Christian Chabbert, a French neurophysiologist who engages healthcare professionals across Europe in this event, and is spearheading a global walk for balance.

Speaker Bios

Paul Morris has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, helping a wide spectrum of organizations raise millions of dollars to support their missions. He has led successful development efforts in direct health services at the state and national levels. He’s also helped raise funds for organizations that work in regional theater, architectural preservation, offering chess to low-income students, and more. For Paul, fund development isn’t just about raising money, but building relationships with people in your community so that they feel heard, valued, and are excited about supporting their shared mission.

Christian Chabbert is a French neurophysiologist and Research Director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. He is developing research on balance disorders at the Research Center in Psychology and Neurosciences at Aix-Marseille University. Since 2015, Dr. Chabbert has directed GDR Vertige, a national research consortium uniting clinicians, scientists, and industry partners to advance the understanding and treatment of vestibular disorders. His expertise in sensory neuroscience and molecular electrophysiology has contributed to over 90 scientific publications and the founding of two biotech companies—Sensorion Pharmaceuticals and Vertidiag—focused on developing therapies for balance-related conditions. Dr. Chabbert also plays a key role in the European PROVIDE network, promoting translational research and innovation in neuro-otology across Europe.