Gold Star Award for Jo

Congratulations to our Gold Star Award Winner Jo

Overcoming Vestibular Hypofunction during Pregnancy

Seven months ago, in November 2023, Jo was preparing for the arrival of her newborn baby at 33 weeks pregnant. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she started experiencing severe vertigo, leaving her unable to move without vomiting. This led to an 8-day hospital stay, where she was diagnosed with left-sided vestibular hypofunction. Suddenly, simple everyday tasks like turning her head, driving, and walking upstairs seemed like insurmountable challenges.

Beginning the Journey at ARC

Determined to get back on track, Jo turned to our Vestibular Neurological Physiotherapist at ARC for help. The journey was not easy, Jo struggled to stay steady on her feet and found it impossible to stand for two seconds with her eyes closed on a foam mat. Any attempt to move her head or focus on static targets triggered waves of nausea. Despite these hurdles and the demands of caring for her newborn, Jo remained committed and determined to her treatment.

Tailored Treatment and Creative Solutions

ARC designed a tailored program for Jo, incorporating modified exercises to keep her moving and stimulating her vestibular system while being realistic about her limits. Jo’s creativity played a crucial role in her recovery. She began incorporating her exercises into her daily routine, using falling leaves on her walks as tools to practice her gaze stability.

Remarkable Progress

Fast forward to today, Jo’s progress is nothing short of inspiring. A recent review detailed her significant improvements: Jo can now confidently stand on foam for 30 seconds with her eyes closed and perform fast head turns without experiencing the nausea that once plagued her. All of this has been achieved while caring for her four-month-old baby.

Perhaps the most exciting news is that Jo has begun to resume her hobbies. She is now able to drive to and attend Pilates classes and has even started jogging. Congratulations, Jo! Your determination and hard work are truly amazing, and we at ARC are thrilled to see your continued progress.