A Hole in My Life: Battling Chronic Dizziness - Paperback

by Philippa Madeline Thomson (Author)

In 1995 an American doctor made the amazing discovery that some people actually have holes in their head. And many can even hear their own eyes moving. Years later, the author found out that she was one of them. This is her remarkable true story. Embarking on a much-needed weekend of respite from the care of her disabled son, Philippa's life is turned upside down when the flight triggers an unusual condition. With symptoms as disturbing and wide-ranging as the sound of her eyes moving, her heartbeat pounding and pulse whooshing in her ear, brain fog, anxiety and debilitating dizziness, can she adapt her well-honed research skills to medical sleuthing, and obtain a diagnosis within a health system that is letting her down at every turn? A HOLE IN MY LIFE chronicles an extraordinary series of medical challenges which are met with resilience, courage and determination. Destined to be a classic on the subject of dizziness, the book deftly guides the reader through fascinating and valuable information about all inner ear and balance disorders, information that has been authenticated by two specialists in this field. The author never loses sight of the humour in her unenviable situation and the sparkling narrative moves at a swift pace. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever been, or ever will be, a patient. Third Mobile Window Syndrome, a group of inner ear disorders which includes SCDS, was first thought to be rare but the prevalence is now estimated at an astonishing 1 in a 100. "A compelling account of awe-inspiring resilience, courage and determination. The resulting story is full of important information, information offered in the words of a delightful and engaging individual." Harriet Spicer, business coach and founder member of Virago Press. If you like compelling prose and emotional true stories, don't miss this absorbing read. Follow the unexpected twists and turns in the riveting medical mystery, and buy A HOLE IN MY LIFE today.

Author Biography

Philippa Thomson is a researcher, editor and writer. She enjoyed success in the creative world of picture research, holding the posts of picture manager on Macmillan's multi-volume Dictionary of Art as well as picture editor at Phaidon Press, among others. She put her full-time publishing career on hold to raise her children, the youngest of whom was born severely disabled as a result of a rare chromosome disorder. This memoir is her first book. She lives near Edinburgh in Scotland. Find her on LinkedIn, Google+ and Twitter at @PhilippaThomson