Physiotherapist's Persistent Dizziness Leads to Unexpected Neurological Disorder Diagnosis

As of August 2025, 27-year-old physiotherapist Cameron Hathaway has been battling a persistent and debilitating neurological disorder for over a year. Last summer, Hathaway, who has long suffered from migraines, began experiencing a new and disorienting "rocking" sensation that would linger even after his migraine attacks had passed.

Initially, this sensation would only last a few hours, but it soon became a constant feeling of unsteadiness and disorientation that severely impacted Hathaway's daily life. He could no longer read or perform basic tasks, had to stop going to the gym, and even found watching TV difficult. Hathaway's social life also began to suffer as he became limited to only short walks near his home.

Worried he might have a brain tumor, Hathaway saw multiple doctors, but they insisted his symptoms were simply a result of his chronic migraines. It wasn't until April 2025 that he finally received a proper diagnosis from a specialist - persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), a newly classified neurological disorder that can develop after inner-ear issues like migraines.

PPPD causes a constant feeling of dizziness and unsteadiness, as the brain becomes overly reliant on visual information to maintain balance. Hathaway has been undergoing specialized vestibular rehabilitation therapy to "recalibrate" his brain and manage his symptoms, which he says have improved by around 70% as of August 2025. While he is still not fully recovered, Hathaway is hopeful he will soon be able to return to work and his normal activities.