Misdiagnosed at age 11, now just 12, a young Atlanta boy is a voice for those suffering from balance and dizziness disorders and advocating for finding the right help.

When Michael began to walk only on the edges of his feet after suffering from asthma, a cold, and then pneumonia in November 2011, his pediatrician sent him to an ear, nose, and throat doctor. The doctors thought it was just a virus. By December 12, 2011, he was unable to attend school because his teachers were concerned he could not safely navigate the stairs to his classroom. On New Year’s Eve, Michael’s condition was so severe that he was unable to walk across a room without help. After more tests – including a spinal tap – and a second medical opinion, Michael was told he had “conversion disorder” – a psychiatric disorder.

In reality, he was suffering from vertigo associated with an inflammation of the inner ear called vestibular neuritis, and, after six months of vestibular rehabilitation, he was clear of his symptoms. When another child at his school came down with a virus, and concerns were raised about an outbreak that may cause the effects Michael had suffered, he and his family took time to speak to the parents at Michael’s school to educate them. Today, he and his family are committed to educating and advocating for those who have vestibular disorders.

The Atlanta community is lucky to have one of the best pediatric vestibular therapist in the country – Dr. Gaye Cronin who practices at the Atlanta Balance Center. Thanks to Gaye and Dr. Ronald – Michael is a lively young boy today.

VEDA is also excited that Atlanta’s own Dr. Susan of Emory University’s Department of Otolaryngology and VEDA Board of Medical and Scientific Advisors is this year’s Honorary Chair for Balance Awareness Week.

We can’t thank Michael and his family enough for their willingness to share his story and bring hope to those in the Atlanta community that find themselves searching for answers through a sea of misunderstanding about dizziness, balance and other vestibular disorders, says Tony Staser, VEDA’s Director of Development.