Conquering Constant Vertigo

I have constant vertigo due to neurological damage in my brain stem. I thought I'd post this to share with others who have vertigo how I manage to get around in case it help you also. Worthy of note: most vertigo issues are due to inner ear issues and a good ear nose throat doc can help improve most of them. 

Trike 

I love cycling, but my brain "short circuits" on a bicycle because it can't figure out which way is up. The solution is a tadpole recumbant trike. And what a kick to ride! Based on the trike experience, we also figured out that last much longer in a reclined position, so when I'm nt up, I'm in a recliner (that's how I work on the computer).

For pictures of the trike and the walking sticks (which I describe next) please see my photos. 

Walking Sticks

I use two custom walking sticks. You can read about them and their design here:

Without them I couldn't take 2 steps out the door, even on my best of days. With them I regularly hike 6+ miles and have done up to 20. They help prolong my day by easing the amount of work my brain has to do to figure out which way is up. The sticks increase the amount of vestibular/muscle feedback I get, so it's much easier to figure out which way is up. Depending on your vertigo, you might do just fine with regular walking sticks (the aluminum ones you can get in the store.). Mine are custom made beasties, whose weight helps me know which way is up even when they aren't touching the ground. If you try it, try it with a pair of sticks that have a base for your hand to rest on -- that really helps increase the feedback you get from them.