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Recovery Library

Dizziness & Balance

Support for vertigo, unsteadiness, visual motion sensitivity, and rebuilding confidence in everyday movement.

Start gently. Stop if something feels unsafe, and ask your care team what is appropriate for you.

01

Why balance can feel different

The vestibular system works with vision, sensation, and the brain to maintain balance. Tumor effects and treatment can change those signals, and the brain may need time and appropriate rehabilitation to adapt.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

02

What may help

  • An assessment by a vestibular rehabilitation professional
  • A paced home program prescribed for your needs
  • Good lighting and clear walking paths
  • Planned rest before symptoms become overwhelming

Sources: 1, 2, 3

03

When to contact your team

Seek prompt medical guidance for sudden or severe change, new weakness, fainting, chest pain, a new severe headache, repeated vomiting, a fall with injury, or symptoms your team has told you are urgent.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

Prepare for the conversation

Questions you may want to ask

Use the prompts that fit your situation and leave the rest for another day.

  1. 01Would vestibular rehabilitation be appropriate for me?
  2. 02What activities are safe right now?
  3. 03Which changes should I report urgently?

Continue learning

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Author

Abigail Villarin Cauilan

Acoustic Neuroma Survivor
Founder, Acoustic Neuroma Warrior

This page combines carefully sourced general education with survivor-informed clarity. Personal experience is identified as lived experience and is not presented as medical evidence.

Published
August 2026
Last updated
August 14, 2026

Editorial note: This page provides survivor-led general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.

Sources and further reading

Evidence behind this page

  1. Vestibular Rehabilitation: Improving Symptomatic and Functional Outcomes of Persons With Vestibular Schwannoma: A Systematic ReviewPhysical Therapy / PubMed · 2024
  2. What drives quality of life in patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma?Laryngoscope / PubMed · 2015
  3. Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma) and NeurofibromatosisNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders · 2017

Sources are selected for authority and relevance. They support general education; they cannot determine what is appropriate for an individual patient.

Trust & safety

Survivor-led. Patient-friendly.

ANW shares general education and peer support, not personalized medical advice. Symptoms and recovery vary, and treatment decisions should always be discussed with your qualified healthcare team.

Continue at your pace

One clear next step is enough.

Save what helps, pause when you need to, and return whenever another question needs attention.

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