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One thing that a lot of people with vestibular disorders notice is how fatiguing or challenging different tasks become over time.
What’s happening is your brain is trying to process multiple inputs (or even tasks) at the same time.
For those with vestibular disorders, it becomes more difficult because your body is trying to process more information—and it’s also now having to work double time to keep you upright.
Multitasking and task switching are a part of daily life, but it comes with costs. And those with vestibular disorders often notice this more but aren’t quite sure how to make it go away.
But this episode is here to help!
In this episode, we’ll dig into:
- Why tasks feel manageable alone but become overwhelming when combined
- How multitasking and task switching are similar and different
- What the “switch cost” is and how it adds up over time for those with vestibular disorders
- What percentage of people with vestibular conditions experience cognitive symptoms like brain fog
- How the central nervous system and cerebral cortices matter for cognitive symptoms
- Why spatial awareness demands extra resources when you have a vestibular disorder
- How balance exercises in VRT are designed to gradually scale up task demands
- Why errors are actually part of healing with a vestibular condition
- Why rest and recovery are essential when you’re adding in more cognitive or physical tasks
Task switching and multitasking are hard for everyone! A vestibular disorder just adds an extra layer—it doesn’t mean things can’t improve, but it does take time, space, and grace.
You’re doing more things than you think and certainly doing more than you take credit for.
Links Mentioned:
- Vestibular Group Fit (code GROUNDED at checkout for 15% off!): https://thevertigodoctor.com/vestibular-group-fit
Free Resources:
- The 4 Steps to Managing Vestibular Migraine: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/cb5js0y78n
- The PPPD Management Masterclass: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/new-pppd
- What your Partner Should Know About Living with Dizziness: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/partnership
- The FREE Mini VGFit Workout: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/minifit
- The FREE POTS – safe Workouts: https://thevertigodoctor.myflodesk.com/pots
Connect with Dr. Madison (@TheVertigoDoctor): https://instagram.com/thevertigodoctor
Work with Dr. Madison:
- For 1:1 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, email madison@thevertigodoctor.com
- Otherwise, I’ll see ya in Vestibular Group Fit!
Connect with Dr. Jenna (@dizzy.rehab.therapist): https://www.instagram.com/dizzy.rehab.therapist/
Learn about the Oak Method: http://thevertigodoctor.com/why-vestibular-group-fit
Love what you heard?
Consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach more vestibular warriors like you!
This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
Citations
- McGrath, Kim. “The “Switch Cost” of Multitasking.” Wake Forest News, 16 Apr. 2024, news.wfu.edu/2024/04/16/the-switch-cost-of-multitasking/.
- Asuako, P. A. G., Stojan, R., Bock, O., Mack, M., & Voelcker-Rehage, C. (2025). Multitasking: does task-switching add to the effect of dual-tasking on everyday-like driving behavior?. Cognitive research: principles and implications, 10(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-025-00611-y
- Smith, L. J., Wilkinson, D., Bodani, M., & Surenthiran, S. S. (2024). Cognition in vestibular disorders: state of the field, challenges, and priorities for the future. Frontiers in neurology, 15, 1159174. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1159174
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