Woman’s Persistent Dizziness Leads to Unexpected Diagnosis

A St. Louis resident, Cayla Kranz, age 35, faced mysterious dizzy spells for months before receiving a diagnosis. In October 2025, while driving with her young children, Kranz experienced an intense dizzy spell. She described it as a ‘day I’ll never forget.’ Her vision darkened, her head felt heavy, and she was lightheaded, fearing she might pass out. Thankfully, she ensured her children’s safety, ages three and one, by pulling off the road.

This episode marked a turning point in her life. Previously, Kranz felt ‘off’ and lightheaded on several occasions, but the symptoms were milder. She often attributed them to contact lenses or vigorous workouts. Medical visits and tests such as EKGs and cardiology evaluations revealed no abnormalities.

However, post-driving episode, Kranz’s symptoms persisted relentlessly. She dealt with shaky vision, lightheadedness, derealization, heart palpitations, and newfound anxiety. Despite further tests, including an MRI, results remained normal. Multiple specialists, including primary care doctors and ophthalmologists, offered no solution.

A breakthrough arose when a client, a physical therapist, suggested the symptoms resembled those of vestibular issues. This led Kranz to investigate vestibular migraines.

Vestibular migraines, a migraine variant, can manifest through balance problems, vertigo, sensitivity to light, and severe headaches. Not all sufferers exhibit every symptom, with dizziness not always concurrent with other signs, making diagnosis challenging.

Grateful for her client’s insight, Kranz shared her relief: ‘Who knows how much longer I would have been searching for answers if it weren’t for her.’ The period without answers was ‘the most difficult time in my life,’ teaching her to value daily life.

She leaned on a motivational quote during tough times: ‘You can do hard things.’ With family support, she navigated her health crisis, stating that while vestibular migraines are incurable, they are manageable. She now experiences more good days and remains optimistic about her progress.

For those suffering similarly, she offers encouragement: ‘Know you’re never alone, and better days are possible.’