PEAK PERFORMANCEOngoing practice

Visual Vestibular Conflict Framework

Conflicting sensory inputs

Problem it solves

Visual Vestibular Conflict Framework helps navigate interpersonal conflicts and disagreements by providing tools for constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial resolution.

Best for

Understanding motion sickness

Not ideal for

Those without prior knowledge of neurology

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Visual Vestibular Conflict Framework explains how conflicting inputs from the visual and vestibular systems can cause motion sickness. This occurs when the brain receives conflicting information about the body's movement, such as when reading on a phone while driving. The framework highlights the importance of aligning sensory inputs to prevent nausea and discomfort.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The brain relies on aligned sensory inputs to maintain balance and prevent motion sickness.
  2. Conflicting sensory inputs can cause the brain to become confused, leading to nausea and discomfort.
  3. The visual and vestibular systems work together to maintain balance and orientation.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Identify conflicting sensory inputs
    Recognize when the visual and vestibular systems are providing conflicting information, such as when reading on a phone while driving.
    Pro tipBe aware of your surroundings and try to minimize conflicting sensory inputs.
    WarningIgnoring conflicting sensory inputs can lead to motion sickness and discomfort.
  2. Align sensory inputs
    Try to align the visual and vestibular systems by focusing on the road while driving or by taking breaks to rest your eyes.
    Pro tipTake regular breaks to rest your eyes and stretch your body.
    WarningFailing to align sensory inputs can lead to prolonged motion sickness and discomfort.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Reading on a phone while driving

A person is driving and reading on their phone at the same time, causing conflicting sensory inputs and leading to motion sickness.

OutcomeThe person experiences nausea and discomfort due to the conflicting sensory inputs.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Ignoring conflicting sensory inputs
Ignoring conflicting sensory inputs can lead to motion sickness and discomfort.
Failing to take breaks
Failing to take breaks can lead to prolonged motion sickness and discomfort.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of visual vestibular conflict has been studied in the field of neurology, particularly in relation to motion sickness. Researchers have found that conflicting sensory inputs can cause the brain to become confused, leading to nausea and discomfort.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · PODCAST
Essentials: How Your Brain Functions & Interprets the World | Dr. David Berson
Andrew Huberman · 2025
Open source →