St. Louis Woman Discovers Root of Mysterious Dizziness After Long Search

Cayla Kranz, a 35-year-old fitness and nutrition coach from St. Louis, Missouri, endured months of unexplained dizziness before finally receiving a diagnosis. Her struggle began with a frightening incident in October 2025, when she experienced severe dizziness while driving with her two young children.

Kranz recalled the day as unforgettable because it occurred under dangerous circumstances. She felt her vision darken and her head felt heavy, indicating she might pass out. Fortunately, she managed to pull over safely and protect her children, aged three and one, before calling for assistance.

This major episode marked a turning point for Kranz, who had previously experienced milder symptoms of feeling “off” and “lightheaded.” Prior to this incident, she dismissed these feelings as potential issues with her contact lenses or the result of intense workouts.

“I often chalked it up to an issue with my contacts or a tough workout,” Kranz explained.

During her quest for answers, Kranz visited urgent care and underwent various tests, including an EKG and cardiology exams. However, all results returned as normal, leaving medical professionals puzzled by her symptoms. Despite additional tests, such as an MRI scan, nothing unusual was detected.

Kranz continued to feel constant shaky and floaty vision, derealization, heart palpitations, and anxiety. She even felt stuck in a state of “fight or flight.” Despite seeing numerous specialists, including ear, nose, and throat doctors as well as cardiologists, the cause remained unidentified.

A breakthrough occurred when a client, who is a physical therapist, recognized her symptoms as resembling those of vestibular issues she studied in school. Upon researching vestibular migraines, Kranz found clarity.

Vestibular migraines are characterized by dizziness, balance issues, vertigo, and sensitivity to light and sound. They might not always accompany headaches, making diagnosis challenging. Johns Hopkins University notes that dizziness may not coincide with other symptoms, further complicating identification.

Kranz expressed gratitude to her client, saying, “Who knows how much longer I would have been searching for answers if it weren’t for her.” The uncertainty of experiencing symptoms without answers marked a difficult period in her life.

Despite vestibular migraine being incurable, Kranz emphasized its treatability. She received invaluable support from her family and reflects positively on her journey, quoting: “You can do hard things.” Her optimistic outlook highlights her recent experience of more good days than bad ones.

To others facing similar challenges, Kranz offered reassurance: “Know you’re never alone, and better days are possible.”