A problem with the vestibular system or your inner ear system is a possible source of balance issues. This system tells your head how you are oriented in space and sends signals to your brain about how your head moves. To assess this very tiny system, we use infrared goggles.
We use Infrared Goggles when evaluating each person with dizziness or unexplained imbalance. The goggles are an essential tool we use to specifically diagnose any vestibular deficits by helping us observe and record your eye movements. Your eyes are a key factor in determining the cause of your balance issue. Sometimes, when you are dizzy or feeling unsteady, your eyes will move in a pattern pointing to a particular inner ear issue, such as decreased vestibular function on one side, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Testing with the goggles is relatively simple. We will place the goggles over your eyes, and while it may feel like you are about to enter a virtual reality world, you will be in the dark. Cameras in the goggles send video feedback to our computers, and we can watch your eyes move. From here, we will do different tests and put you in different positions to see how your eyes move and if it provokes any dizziness.
These goggles give us the most accurate information so we can treat the exact issue you are dealing with. While some balance and vestibular issues can be assessed without infrared goggles, the most thorough assessment includes testing with the goggles.
Dr. Amanda Nguyen, PT, DPT,
WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Doylestown, PA.
215 -489-3234
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