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Coping with Vestibular (Inner-Ear) Trauma

by Ann Fillmore PhD(more info)

listed in medical conditions, originally published in issue 166 - January 2010

What would you do if you woke up one morning and found that you were seasick? Not just queasy, but horribly – wanting the boat to sink so you could die – seasick? How would you deal with a world where spatial reality became unpredictable and you could hear and then not hear and what you heard might not always be .... real? Would you think you were going crazy?

Image about balance

Or would your physician have the good sense to ask if, at any time in your life, you'd injured your head, had severe allergies or had a very bad ear infection or been listening to too much loud music?
If your physician recognizes vestibular trauma, you are one of the few people presenting with these symptoms to be correctly diagnosed.

Much attention is being given to returning veterans with brain injury and tinnitus. Posters are going up in gymnasiums to alert coaches about brain injury among sports enthusiasts, especially young athletes. Victims of car crashes are being checked and shelter personnel and social workers are well aware of brain injury in battered wives and abused children. But nothing is being said about the other life-long debilitating trauma which always accompanies brain injury – Vestibular Trauma.

Generally, the popular assumption, even in the medical field, has been that the ear is for hearing sounds, and somehow the little bones and thingy-ma-bobs deeper inside help with how we keep our balance. Would it surprise you to know that the vestibular system is one of the most complex nerve structures in the body? That we determine our place in space with these little structures and their attached nerves? Our urge to flee often originates from signals the vestibular system generates and even our stomach and intestines receive, and send information on whether to go on with the business of digestion .... or, heave-ho! get rid of the contents.
 
The internal ear. The blue area comprises the bony labyrinth; the pink area belongs to the membranous labyrinth
The internal ear. The blue area comprises the bony labyrinth;
the pink area belongs to the membranous labyrinth

The balance system works with the visual and skeletal systems to maintain orientation. Visual signals are sent to the brain and compared to information from the vestibular systems and muscles and joints.

An organ in the inner ear, the labyrinth, is a central player in the vestibular or balance system. Inside the labyrinth are three semicircular canals which are filled with fluid. As the head moves, the fluid inside the semicircular canals signals to the brain its relative motion. Each semicircular canal has a bulged end that contains hair cells. Rotation of the head causes the fluid to flow, which in turn causes displacement of the top portion of the hair cells. The endolymphatic sac is a fluid reservoir that keeps the fluids in a constant volume in the semicircular canals.

Two other organs which are also part of the vestibular system, the utricle and saccule, are responsible for detecting linear acceleration, or movement in a straight line. The hair cells in theses organs are blanketed with a jelly-like layer which contains tiny calcium stones called otoconia. When the head is tilted or the body position is changed with respect to gravity, the displacement of the stones causes the hair cell to bend, providing proper balance

Several famous people suffered from the effects of vestibular damage, Beethoven being top of the list. Van Gogh showed all the signs of Meniere's disease which causes vertigo, tinnitus and an agonizing fullness in the ears. So agonizing, the sufferer might try to punch out the afflicted ear with a sharp object ... or cut it off. Then, Van Gogh's addiction to absinthe (a potent liqueur) probably didn't help either.

So, being as complicated as a computer program, if the vestibular system is damaged in any way, it's like putting a glitch or a virus in that program. Luckily, unlike the fussy computer that shuts down, the brain will do its very best to find a way to fix the problem, to compensate and keep us on our feet. Or adjust to microgravity in space!

A child who falls off a swing might not show symptoms until adulthood.

What Causes Inner-ear Damage?

One of the most dramatic injuries can come from shaken baby abuse. These whiplash injuries are also sustained by car wreck victims, battered spouses, boxers. In addition, quite a few medications and some foods can be highly toxic to the otological (ear) system. SSRIs (anti-depressants) and anti-psychotic drugs are notorious for leaving a person with permanent tinnitus, as can some antibiotics and other medications. As for food, some of the worst culprits are soy products processed with a chemical called hexane, a by-product of gasoline. Watch closely when you buy soy baby formula. Much of it uses hexane processed soy. That soy burger or energy bar may be loaded with the stuff.

More infamous for creating vestibular damage are sustained loud noises and pressure changes from being in a rock band or listening to music plugged directly into the ear. Young people aren't the only ones culpable in causing their own ear injuries. Many workers in deafening jobs are "way too casual about using protectors for their ears. Mention might be made of MRI exams." The loud banging can definitely contribute to tinnitus.

Dramatic injury can occur also from an illness. A bad case of flu, a high fever especially in infants, ear infections and sinus infections, teeth that aren't cared for, can bring on awful pain in the ears and eyes. Some peoples, like Native Americans, are highly susceptible to ear infections and the generation of Indian children who were carted off to boarding schools in the early 20th century where white-men's diseases hit them full force, faced adulthood with partial deafness and vestibular disorders.

Luckily, the vestibular system usually recovers from bacterial and viral illnesses if ... and this is an important IF .... the infection is dealt with properly. Which does not include antibiotics except in extreme cases. Go to the Coping Section below for recommendations on how to deal with sinus and ear infections. 

A nasty episode of real sea-sickness can be a life-changer as well. Some poor individuals seem to be born with an inability to adjust their vestibular system to life at sea. Take the famous character Hornblower, fashioned after the real Admiral Nelson who spent the first week of any voyage in his cabin, heaving. It is not unknown for sea-sickness to affect scuba divers also which can be life-threatening.

For most of us, mal-de-mer comes on because of already stuffy ears. Same with air sickness or car sickness and not only humans react to windy roads as Rover can demonstrate.

What are the Symptoms of Vestibular – Inner-ear Damage and Why do they Express in such Dramatically Different Ways?

It wouldn't be fair to criticize medical personnel too much for not picking up on the signs and symptoms of damage to the inner ear as the underlying cause of a presenting malady. First of all, the original trauma to the vestibular system could have occurred years before the patient comes to the doctor and since the range of symptoms is vast, rule number one should be: Look Deeper.

For example, if a fifty year old man comes in complaining of poor memory, wobbliness and constant fatigue, ask if the fellow works with loud noise and strong vibrations such as in a lumber mill.

Although organizations such as the American Tinnitus Association are working hard to get information out on tinnitus, little is being done on an international scale to educate the medical profession about how trauma to the balance system in the brain affects someone's health and emotions. Furthermore, even if the doctor realizes his patient is presenting with vestibular damage, there is not a lot that can be done medically other than prescribe remedies for sea-sickness like Meclizine (Dramamine).

Then, to determine vestibular damage or disease, there are numerous tests, which in the United States, insurance will not cover. The doctor is left with advising the patient to develop life-changing coping skills and every MD knows how very difficult that message is to get across to patients.

Yes, coping with vestibular damage requires serious re-structuring of behaviours.

Dizziness and Nausea

The entire body develops coping strategies to deal with dizziness and vertigo. For example, you find yourself not being able to ride in a car, especially in the back seat any more and only feeling comfortable, safe, driving.

Finding you can no longer fly in an airplane is common. Pilots and astronauts dread any diagnosis of vestibular disorder since it means instant disqualification from flying and, no surprise, NASA has a big investment in finding solutions to vestibular problems.

Another coping strategy, long overlooked, is the sufferer's strong desire for numbing drugs or alcohol. The unremitting symptoms make a person want only to find escape. That tell-tale unsteady gait of someone with severe vestibular damage is exacerbated by alcohol.

Age brings deterioration to the intricate inner-ear mechanisms, as well as vision, and if an older person has not done the kind of exercises needed to maintain balance without the use of the inner-ear mechanism, she will fall or be easily knocked down.

One more excellent example is feeling totally miserable in the mall or big department store. Too much going on, so many colours and sounds, kids screaming, you get lost, you forget what you came for and all you want is to leave and then you can't remember where you parked the car!

Having tinnitus just adds to the misery.

Tinnitus

One of the primary symptoms of vestibular damage is noise in the ears, usually a steady ringing or humming or the susurrus of ocean waves. For years, tinnitus was considered a hearing problem but research is showing that the damage is more intrinsic. The central auditory system in the brain itself has been affected by whatever injury was sustained which is why hearing aids generally don't help. In fact, since hearing aids pick up all sounds, they often make the situation worse. Recently certain kinds of hearing aids are used to mask the tinnitus noise bringing a level of welcome relief for some people.

The American Tinnitus Association (ATA – www.ata.org) is doing yeoman work in campaigning for research and treatment grants to help military veterans. As mentioned, the most frequent complaints from soldiers coming home are tinnitus and brain injury meaning vestibular damage. Sadly, when vets go to the VA with dizziness, nausea and 'walking on the moon' gait or outright panic attacks and suicidal thoughts, they are consistently diagnosed with PTSD. The vet is put on an SSRI.

Two-thirds of Afghan war veterans are suffering from hearing damage –The intense noise of the battlefield is afflicting British troops 20 Dec 2009 More than two-thirds of British troops returning from Afghanistan are suffering severe and permanent hearing damage, according to the most comprehensive study reported in The Observer in 2009 into one of the less well-known side-effects of the conflict in Helmand. Internal defence documents reveal that of 1,250 Royal Marine commandos who served in Afghanistan, 69% suffered hearing damage due to the intense noise of combat.

Now comes the hard part. SSRIs bring about permanent tinnitus and are useless in compensating for emotional pain, highly dangerous during withdrawal and for months afterward can contribute to suicidal and possible homicidal thoughts.[1]

Another form of hearing loss, always accompanied by tinnitus, is called variously 'cocktail party deafness' or 'crowd deafness'. You can hear a bird across the street, but a noisy party dazes you. If you can't lip read, you're lost, and asking the person talking to you to speak up is useless. 'Crowd deafness' makes going to movies or the symphony distressing and shopping at a big-box store is like walking into a carnival fun-house, without the fun.[2]

Memory Loss

There is a much higher chance that you have vestibular damage than Alzheimers. Get tested for both. Oh, yes – the little issue in the US of insurance not covering testing for inner ear damage but covering the tests for Alzheimers, plus the doctor in the US can instantly prescribe medication for Alzheimers.

Check yourself out first. If you are rested and in a quiet place, does your brain function just fine? You can recall words, organize thoughts, figure out where you're going and how to program the DVR to catch your favourite TV show? Center yourself and relax, take things one step at a time.

Agoraphobia and Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors

Directly related to the loss of balance and sense of where you are in space, is the gradual unwillingness to go out in public and leave the comforting surrounding of one's home. The stress of having to face a noisy, confusing situation can make you feel desperately unsure of yourself and you go over and over the routine for departing. Is the stove turned off? Did you unplug the toaster?

Planning ahead and putting items in predictable places really helps. Often, once you've gotten on the road, you'll be fine. It's as if the brain realizes all is okay and you have the next place to be, and driving or riding the train can be comforting.

Panic Attacks

The most devastating symptom of inner ear damage can literally mark you as mentally ill. Panic attacks. For some unknown reason, your entire sense of reality can go into melt down.[1] Be aware of the approaching signals (increased tinnitus, nausea, diarrhoea and chills, increased heart rate and blood pressure, visual changes) and begin doing calming exercises like deep breathing, WREMS or EMDR, walking, hot bath or shower, ginger tea or pills, or if all that fails, remember you are simply seasick and take a remedy for seasickness.

Life Style Changes

Vestibular damage is permanent. Before age adds to the problem, there are steps that can be taken to successfully cope.

Tai Chi

Certain exercises have been shown in study after clinical study to make dramatic differences in the lives of those with vestibular damage, as well as the elderly. Number one, with no contest, is Tai Chi. Slow stretching movements, often done to music, Tai Chi brings on a relaxed, meditative state. The easiest form to learn is the Yang 24 movement, but any of the thousands of Tai Chi styles offers the exact same benefits. They are all performed in a set pattern done over and over with accompanying breathing techniques and centring skills, Students change the way they move, the way they balance, the way they breathe.

For sufferers of vestibular damage, the first several weeks of class can be tough but stick with it. The reward will be worth every moment of dizziness and clumsiness at the beginning..      

Working Out with Weights

Not surprisingly, just as studies show the benefits for seniors of working out in a gym, or at home with weights, so should someone with vestibular damage maintain their strength. Interestingly enough young men with severe vestibular damage, including partial deafness, often become body builders. One famous example: Arnold Schwarznegger, now governor of California.

A Healthy Diet

Mention has already been made about the effects of some soy products which are processed using the chemical hexane. Also, it is wise to avoid eating meat because of the hormones, antibiotics and pesticides used on the animals. This includes factory-farmed fish and chicken. They're all treated the same way. If meat must be on the menu, buy organic – make sure it's organic – and eat less of it.

A vegetarian diet helps you to lose weight, so why not?

Avoid too much caffeine. Sort of a no-brainer there. Quit drinking soda with artificial sweeteners. Asparatame, an artificial sweetener used in many foods, was originally invented for use as a nerve gas to be used in killing on the battlefield. MSG should also be avoided.

Wine in moderation is probably good for you, but be warned – persons with vestibular damage cannot handle alcohol well at all.

Relief from Dizziness and Nausea

Here are a few suggestions which have been proven to help.
Ginger in any form works a charm for most people. Ginger tea, ginger pills, ginger candy, ginger with chocolate – yummy! Recent studies show ginger to be highly effective in quelling the nausea of cancer patients. Persons with vestibular disorder might consider carrying ginger pills with them for use when needed.

Ginkgo biloba extract, sometimes combined with zinc have proven to work for any form of vertigo. The combination was tested on patients with Meniere's disease in France. NOTE: This is a powerful tool for relief, but be careful if you happen to be allergic to it.

Feverfew, a little plant related to the marigold can be used for headaches and body aches instead of Tylenol products.
 
Neti Pot users rave over the way this tiny teapot clears out the sinuses. Highly recommended by more and more natural healers and physicians, and surprisingly, dentists and optometrists, to speed the recovery from sinus, ear and dental-gum infections.

Ear candling is the newest craze for clearing away too much ear wax. Candling involves putting a hollow wick into the ear canal and lighting it to create negative pressure in the ear canal, melting the wax in the process. Quite a few injuries to the ear have been reported, say Folimer and Shi and they are very much against the practice.[3]

For panic attacks, explore the use of Eye Movement Desensitization procedures such as WREMS (www.wakingrem.com) which is a self-help technique, and EMDR which is a clinical procedure. Both are highly effective at giving relief from all kinds of emotional trauma.     

References

1. Stuart Shipko. Panic disorder in otolaryngologic practice: A brief review – Special Contribution Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. Dec 2001. http://bit.ly/6y5Jqt
2. Vernon Jack PhD. Questions and Answers, tips on dealing with tinnitus. Tinnitus Today (ATA publication) 12/06.
3. Robert Folimer & Yongbing Shi, Reducing your risk of complications during ear wax removal. Tinnitus Today (ATA publication) 6/05.

Further Information

American Tinnitus Association. PO Box 5, Portland, OR 97207-0005.Tel:: 800-634-8978; Fax:: 503-248-0024. Jennifer DuPriest Associate Executive Director American Tinnitus Association PO Box 5 Portland, Oregon 97207 TF: (800) 634-8978 x215; Tel:: (503) 248-9985 x215.
www.ata.org    For excellent tips on coping with tinnitus www.ata.org/tinnitus-tips  

Arches Tinnitus Formulas

www.tinnitusformula.com/infocenter/articles/conditions/menieres.aspx  
Kathleen Cullen and Soroush Sadeghi.  Vestibular System. Scholarpedia 3(1):3013. 2008.
www.scholarpedia.org/article/Vestibular_system

Comments:

  1. Peter Mitchell said..

    Very objective! I 'suffer' with Tinnitus and at 57 keep to my physical Gym routine - changeable every 6 weeks. Tried 'ear candling' but it didn't do anything. As during the daily activity of life I am not aware of it, only when all around one gets quiet does it 'show its face', so to say. Thanks again for your articles, many of which assist in my business! (Nutritionist Dip).


  2. Danielle Wilson said..

    Thank you for this article! I was misdiagnosed with BPPV 9 years ago and was recently diagnosed with vestibular damage instead. I haven't had much help from the medical field, so articles like this are a blessing.


  3. Ann Fillmore said..

    Danielle,
    Amazing what a little knowledge can do. Once you've realized that vestibular damage can have such massive impact on both your physical AND your mental well-being, you can begin to take the positive steps necessary to cope.


  4. gill read said..

    hello anne, i have had probable vestibular and snsory damage for nearly 11yrs, it has driven me nearly mad, as it has hindered my social life, causes a rocking sensation when sitting or lieing down, fatique fullness in my ears head pressure, even the tv or noise and light ramp up my symptoms, i cannot cope when im tired or at night with talking to more thaan one person, if theres 4people in the room talking it ramps up and i have to go in another room where its quet can you help/ kind regards gill


  5. Faye ranjit said..

    I have been having awful problems with dizziness and balance. Dct thinks to do with my sinuses. I also have depression and a lot of arthritis. I am 61 . This is so awful. Light hurts eyes as well grrr just joined you on Facebook. Thanks


  6. Ann Fillmore said..

    Gill --- sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Do consider friending me on FB and leave more messages there!
    Okay - you really have vestibular damage. You didn't say where in the world you live, so I'm going to make some assumptions. First of all, you may be getting hit with intense Geoengineering- chemtrail spray (go to GlobalSkywatch.com for more info) - the timing matches, 11 yrs, and if so, any vestibular damage has been severely intensified for all of us. To get any relief at all, you will have to detox (I find ACV - vinegar, and turmeric help, plus breathing warm steam from oil of oregano or tulsi, once a day -- if you want more info on this, you can email me or look it up). Storms and air pressure changes are dramatically worse nowadays and the aluminum oxide you're breathing in doesn't help. PLUS -- are you electric sensitive? This can really add to the misery.
    But you can get relief -- not a cure, but relief with detoxing and daily care. Eat that GINGER.


  7. Catherine Zosel Offutt said..

    Thanks so much. It's very difficult to explain to others what it is like to live with vestibular challenges. Your article was so helpful. Thanks.


  8. Nikki Clark said..

    Hi, my son is 12 years old and has been unwell for 6 months. He cannot walk unaided says he feels extremely dizzy. He is only comfortable when laid completely flat on the sofa or bed. He cannot cope with busy places or anyone talking loudly. I have had no diagnosis although he's under great ormond st hospital in London. His symptoms have not improved in 6 months although he is coping better. We as a family are totally distraught as we don't know what to do for the best. He is seeing a physcotherapist although he hasn't a lot to say to her (she does most of the talking). He is on no medication and we just try and get him out and about as best as we can with him holding our arms for support. Does this sound like a inner ear problem and what should we be doing to help him? Any comments from you would be welcomed greatly.
    Many thanks Nikki


  9. Stephanie Fenelon said..

    I have been diagnosed with damage to right inner ear. I've had dreadful problems for the last 14 months - 6 of these were horrendeous. My heartbeat went irregular, the ground would seem to move up and down and it came to the stage that I thought I was going to fall off the chair. I would begin to feel extremely unwell several times a day - couldn't stand in a queue so lost my independence and the sweat would break out on me. I started retraining the balance centre and things have improved but I still get problems but must be thankful for some improvement. I feel sorry for anyone who suffers from this ailment as it takes all your confidence away and you could easily become a prisoner in your own home if you give in to it so please if anyone sees this and has the same problem, start the exercises immediately - they will help, may not cure you but the symptoms will improve. Thank you.


  10. Toni Benedetta Salerno said..

    Since my 5th baby 8 months ago I have been suffering with this vestibular horror. I thought I was going insane. As a single mom of 5 it is terrifying when your whole world is moving. I has to relocate to Florida to get a proper diagnosis of vestibular mismatch. I don't know how this came about or was it from the epidural hitting a blood vessel or whiplash from my chiropractor cranking my neck to far? All I know is this is pure hell and I completely understand why Van Ghoh took his ear off. I just started the eye and movement exercises and it makes it worse. I am up for anything and have tried everything from Accupuncture to prisms in my glasses... I will do whatever it takes to reverse this. Please any info would be appreciated. I feel disabled and can't work anymore. I have no idea how I'm going to take care of my family. :(


  11. Janet Morgan said..

    I have suffered with this for 42 years but have only recently been diagnosed after a series of tests for many bodily organs over the last two years. I believe now it was caused by violent outbursts of my former husband and is a very good description of how I'm feeling.I am awaiting a further appointment for someone to show me the brain retraining exercises to help compensate for the vestibular asymmetry. Thank you for extremely informative and interesting article.


  12. Wendell Cartwright said..

    Finding Aromatherapy! Aromatherapy essential oil has naturally-occurring antispasmodic properties. It is effective for treating a wide range of digestive complaints, such as easing irritable bowel syndrome, cramping or stomach spasms and pain.


  13. Kuldeep Gadhvi said..

    All of us who are suffering the same ugly symptoms of vestibular disorder are happy to read such articles. It gives a sense that there are others in this world who also experience similar debilitating situation.
    However, the need of hour is to find more and more people or places who can offer some help and relief.
    if anyone has better options towards vestibular cure then please do connect with each other. Email me on kbgadhvi @ yahoo.com
    Kuldeep


  14. Kim Prior said..

    This is for Nikki Clark: My daughter suffered similar symptoms to your son and different doctors, including an ENT surgeon, were unable to find the cause. We took our daughter to a specialist balance clinic where she had tests and was correctly diagnosed. She had vestibular neuritis, where her vestibular nerve had been permanently damaged when she was ill with a virus. This caused her brain to try to compensate by over-using the ocular nerve, resulting in symptoms of debilitating seasickness. The diagnosis, and the resulting vestibular rehabiliation therapy, turned her life around. Good luck.


  15. Nandita said..

    My heart goes out to everybody who is suffering from vertigo. I am 33 years old and have spent at least 2 years in bed in the past six years, due to vertigo. Have had to leave my job, and there is no quality of life. Restricted to my house, I can barely do household chores, it is so difficult to move my neck. It feels as though my head is going to spin-off my neck! Everything seems to 'swim' around me. This happens every time my hisband and I go on a road trip, and the motion and the jerks(we have horrible roads in India!), seem to trigger it. Once the vertigo starts, it takes months to away.
    I just want to tell everybody : you are not alone! I have faced tremendous isolation as nobody seems to understand what is happening to me, because I LOOK ok. People miss the terrified look on my face when I attempt to walk or move, all the time trying not to fall. I think only a person who has suffered it can understand it.

    For me, homeopathy medicines are the only things that seem to provide some relief. Also, I would strongly recommend meditation and 'pranayam' ( breathing techniques in Yoga). Everyday is a battle to keep myself mentally strong to go through it. My love and prayers to all who are going through this hell!


  16. Kate Morrison said..

    Reading about other people with vestibular problems really has helped me.I have suffered with balance problems and panic attacks for over 2 years and thought I was going mad when bench surfaces started moving up towards me and if I opened a door the movement sent me into complete terror and spins.I want to cardiologist ,neurologist and physiotherapist but no diagnosis and no relief.The neurologist said it might be early Parkinson,s disease...but I don't have any tremour or stiffness.When it first appeared I could not walk without falling to the left and I had to grab the walls.I am a lot better now since I started eating gelatine every day in the form of jelly and custard as dessert.I swear by eating jelly.I can walk well now without holding onto someone or using a stick.I still find standing still for any length of time is hard work maintains balance.Sometimes I get racing heart and my blood pressure soars to 200 for no reason.The hospital says it is tachycardia.It subsides after a while but is very frightening.Try eating jelly.It is worth a try as I have improved.


  17. Kate Morrison said..

    The reason I started eating jelly was because I read that surgeons operating on fistulas in the ear use gelatine patches to close the hole in the membrane.I thought it might repair any damage I had as gelatine is from cellular material.I worked out that my right ear was the problem as sometimes I get a slight pain twinge in my right ear like a mini earache.I also get tinnitus in this ear especially when I get these stress attacks and my heart starts speeding up .Then I get a bit breathless.Last time I called the ambulance and the ambulance officer said it was no wonder I felt breathless as my heart rate was 150 which is like running a marathon. When I go to the Emergency department my ECG is always normal and the symptoms subside after a while.I have had about 10 visits there over 2 years.The doctors test me for everything and all appears normal.I have had a brain scan and again it is normal.Vestibular problems are not really understood and you think you are going crazy.I was referred to the mental health team because I was so distressed by it all.The psychologist I saw a few times helped me with relaxation exercises for panic attacks.I am travelling a lot better than I used to and I no longer get the head spins so I am felling a lot better.I have started driving again because I am more confident and I have not had vertigo or the wobbles for a few weeks.I am feeling much happier.I can walk around a shopping centre without the bright lights sending me into a spin.I used to hang onto supermarket shelves until my husband found me and helped me sit down somewhere.It makes you tired as well because you have to put conscious effort into balancing when it is normally something you can do automatically. I hope this helps someone with similar problems. It does get better.I am really enjoying walking again!


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About Ann Fillmore PhD

For many years, during her long career Ann Fillmore PhD was an international consultant dealing with victims of violence. As a behavioural scientist, she served as expert witness, worked as a therapist and before retiring, invented the self-help technique: WREMS (www.wakingrem.com).  Now retired, she is busier than ever, teaching Tai Chi and writing. Her mystery novel: Way of Escape is about rescuing women in danger and the sequel is on its way. www.amazon.com/Way-Escape-Ann-Fillmore/dp/0917990986  

As well as continuing her research into emotions and behavioural interactions, she also has become very interested in the development of psychic abilities: The Emerging Psychic  (http://www.positivehealth.com/article/psychospiritual/the-emerging-psychic-exploring-causes-of-paranormal-experiences

For intense adventure, Ann looks into what exists in other realities by heading up a paranormal and historical research team (COAST GHOST Paranormal Research Society  http://curious_country.wakingrem.com).  

Ann Fillmore lives on the central Oregon coast, is an ardent gardener, bird watcher and painter. Her three dogs and several cats allow her to share the old house and garden. She may be contacted via fillmoreann36@gmail.com   or on her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ann.fillmore.9?ref=tn_tnmn

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