Mom in Car With Kids When Something Feels Very Wrong—Then Comes Diagnosis

Cayla Kranz, a 35-year-old fitness and nutrition coach from St. Louis, Missouri, had been experiencing dizzy spells for months with no explanation until a terrifying episode while driving with her two young children. Suddenly, her vision darkened, her head felt heavy, and she feared passing out. Thankfully, she managed to pull over and call for help, saving her children's lives.

This was the most severe episode of many she had experienced, all chalked up to issues with her contacts or tough workouts before. After the incident, Kranz underwent numerous tests, including EKGs and MRI scans, but doctors found no answers. It wasn't until she spoke to a physical therapist client that she recognized her symptoms as those of a vestibular migraine.

Vestibular migraines cause balance issues, nausea, vertigo, sensitivity to light and noise, and severe headaches. Despite the difficulty in diagnosis due to varying symptoms and onset, Kranz is grateful for her client's insight and credits her support system for helping her through the challenging period. While vestibular migraines are not curable, they are treatable, and Kranz is hopeful for improved days ahead.

She encourages others facing similar situations to know they are not alone and better days are possible.