Radiolab Vertigogo
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Feb 7, 2025 Explore the surreal side of brain disorders with fascinating stories about personal experiences of vertigo. Discover how a researcher grapples with the unexpected hijacking of her own mind and a librarian faces the strange symptoms she terms 'gravitational anarchy.' Delve into the role of the basal ganglia in movement and the peculiar medical mysteries of sudden vertigo relief. These narratives connect the complex dance of brain function, identity, and the unpredictable nature of health, creating a profound reflection on the human experience.
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Liza's Basal Ganglia Mishap
- Liza Schoenfeld, a research technician, experienced involuntary facial movements and muscle contractions during grad school interviews.
- This was caused by Compazine, a nausea medication she took, affecting her basal ganglia, the brain region she was studying.
Rosemary's Gravitational Anarchy
- Rosemary Morton, a librarian, experienced strange sensations like shaking floors, tilting rooms, and body distortions.
- Doctors initially diagnosed her as "essentially normal," but her condition worsened, leading to feelings of urgency and altered perceptions.
Labyrinthitis and Vertigo
- Rosemary Morton's condition, characterized by distorted spatial perception and bodily sensations, is identified as labyrinthitis.
- Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear, often associated with vertigo.
