David Morrill Urges Greater Awareness of Vestibular Disorders

During Balance Awareness Week, David Morrill, a stroke survivor, is urging greater recognition of vestibular disorders. Morrill's journey began when a stroke left him with limited vestibular function, transforming his personal struggle into a mission to help others.

Morrill has spent years advocating for better understanding and treatment of vestibular disorders, working closely with researchers, physicians, and other patient advocates. He has contributed to national clinical guidelines, participated in quality-measurement initiatives, and shared his experiences to inform research on distinguishing stroke from other causes of dizziness and vertigo.

"Turned all my anger and grief into energy for helping others," said Morrill, highlighting his commitment to raising awareness about conditions often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. During Balance Awareness Week, which runs from September 13 to 19, 2026, Morrill is calling on the medical community and people living with vestibular disorders to take action.

The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) is leading Balance Awareness Week, a campaign to shine a spotlight on the millions of people affected by dizziness, vertigo, and other symptoms related to the vestibular system. VeDA's Executive Director, Cynthia Ryan, emphasized the importance of patient voices in research and care. "David's story demonstrates the powerful role patients can play in changing the way vestibular disorders are understood and treated," said Ryan.

Morrill has been involved in several key initiatives. He served as a patient representative on the Neuro-otology Quality Measurement Set, helping to develop quality measures for vestibular and neuro-otology care. He also participated as a patient advocate in the development of the GRACE-3 Acute Dizziness and Vertigo Guidelines, which address the evaluation of patients with acute dizziness and vertigo in emergency departments.

In addition, Morrill has worked with researchers studying the use of HINTS to distinguish stroke from other causes of acute vestibular syndrome. He is currently involved as a patient advocate in the PCORI VERTIGO trial, which aims to improve the diagnosis of dizziness, inner ear disorders, and stroke in emergency care.

For Morrill, advocacy means helping medical professionals understand the daily challenges faced by those with vestibular disorders. "Awareness is important in the world of invisible disorders. I don't look like I'm dizzy all the time, but it affects me every day," he said.

VeDA encourages people affected by vestibular disorders to use Balance Awareness Week as an opportunity to share their experiences and educate others. Healthcare professionals and community members can participate by sharing educational information and recognizing the profound impact that dizziness and balance disorders can have on a person's daily life.

"David's story is a testament to the impact one person can have in driving change and improving care for those living with vestibular disorders," said Ryan. "His advocacy is making a real difference and bringing the patient perspective into critical conversations."

As Balance Awareness Week kicks off, Morrill and VeDA are calling on the broader community to join in efforts to raise awareness and improve the understanding and treatment of vestibular disorders.