Visual-Vestibular Mismatch Syndrome

At work

• Looking at computer provokes eyestrain, headaches, dizziness, and/or nausea; utilizing multiple screens or windows has become problematic
• Scanning through a stack of papers for specific information has become difficult
• Easily distracted and irritated by normal sensory stimulation (e.g. lighting, noise, movement) at office or job site
• Difficulty with multitasking, cognition, managing stress, and/or changing tasks rapidly and fluidly
• Reduced work efficiency:  Unable to complete all work (or forced to work additional hours to complete it all)
• The office commute makes one ill (e.g. nausea, headache, and/or fatigue)
• Exhausted upon returning home and struggles to prepare an evening meal or enjoy family time
• Days off are prioritized for rest and recovery from the previous workday and to prepare for the next

At school

• Headaches, fatigue and/or feeling unsteady
• Sensitivity to fluorescent lighting
• Reading is slower and more effortful, with reduced stamina, comprehension, or memory
• Taking notes has become difficult and mistake ridden
• Phone scrolling or flashing screen icons is bothersome
• More time is required to complete assignments or tests
• Studying in a quiet, non-distracting environment has become mandatory

During physical activity

• Symptoms provoked with excessive or repetitive eye, head, or body movements
• Walking: may experience swaying to one side, or bumps into objects occasionally
• Struggles with uneven or sloped surfaces, or increase reliance upon using handrail of stairs
• Avoidance of excessive physical activity or exercise

During social engagement

• Difficulty listening to someone amidst multiple conversations or lots of background noise (e.g. in a busy restaurant or party)
• Reduced capacity to have lengthy in-depth conversations
• Forget names or words, and/or struggle with word or thought expression
• May stutter when overly fatigued or stressed
• Withdrawing from social interaction because of effort required, symptom provocation, loss of extroversion, or tired of explaining condition or making excuses
• Maintaining social relationships has become stressful

During daily life

• Every ounce of energy is used just to make it through the day
• Household chores are a struggle, provoke symptoms, and are being neglected
• Grocery shopping is avoided, but when necessary is done briefly and only to get a few items
• Driving (e.g. troubles changing lanes, looking at mirrors, shoulder checking, judging distances of oncoming vehicles, parking accurately) is difficult and/or symptom-provoking.  Unfortunately, taking transit or a taxi may not be a much better solution
• Stress from any source (e.g. physical, emotional, cognitive, health, financial) seems to provoke symptoms.  Interestingly, symptoms often reduce during a relaxing vacation or upon spending time in nature
• Avoidance of certain activities (e.g. reading, watching TV) to reduce symptom provocation  
• Life has become a greater struggle and may be associated with a loss of “joie de vivre” (joy of life)