Infrared video goggles have an important role in assessing vertigo.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is characterised by the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning.

It is commonly caused by a problem with the way balance works in the vestibular system of the inner ear, although it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain.

The vestibular system refers to the sensory system within the inner ear, responsible for monitoring the position and motion of the head, and helping to maintain postural control and gaze stability.

Assessing Vertigo with Video Goggles

The eye is a window to the vestibular system. Clinicians need to observe and interpret small, fleeting eye movements (nystagmus) to accurately diagnose vestibular and balance conditions. Even with thorough training and ideal conditions, observations can be difficult.

For example, assessment of an acutely dizzy patient without a means of removing visual fixation is unrewarding, because spontaneous nystagmus is often missed.​

At Shellharbour Physiotherapy, we use an infrared video eye movement recording system that can be used simply and seamlessly in the clinical setting to enhance and better identify vestibular conditions.