How Vesticam Goggles Help Assess Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness, vertigo and balance problems can have a significant impact on everyday life. Identifying the underlying cause is an important first step towards effective treatment. At Total Physio in Sandyford, Dublin, specialist vestibular assessment may include the use of video goggles to help examine eye movements and investigate vestibular dysfunction.

What Are Vesticam Goggles?

Vesticam goggles are designed to help clinicians observe and record eye movements during vestibular testing. Using infrared video technology, they make it easier to identify movements that may be difficult to see with the naked eye.

These eye movements can provide valuable information about how the inner ear and the brain work together to control balance and stabilise vision.

One example is nystagmus, an involuntary movement of the eyes that can offer important clues when assessing certain causes of dizziness and vertigo.

How Are They Used in Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Vesticam goggles can support several aspects of a vestibular assessment, depending on a person's symptoms.

• Examining eye movements: Observing eye movements during specific clinical tests can help the physiotherapist investigate possible vestibular dysfunction. 

• Determining peripheral versus central vestibular dysfunction. The goggles provide important information about nystagmus or involuntary eye movement, that can be related to the inner ears or the brain. Alongside other bedside tests this is very effective in confirming if your dizziness is coming from your inner ear or from the brain which may or may not need further investigation. This gives us a confident diagnosis and appropriate recommendation for further imaging such as brain or inner ear MRI which are sometimes not needed.

• Assessing BPPV: During positional tests, the goggles can help identify characteristic eye movements associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common cause of spinning sensations when changing head position.

The findings are considered alongside your symptoms, medical history and other examination results to guide clinical decision-making. The goggles are an assessment aid rather than a standalone diagnostic tool.

How Can This Help Your Treatment?

A detailed vestibular assessment helps the physiotherapist determine which treatment approach may be most appropriate. Depending on the findings, treatment could include repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV, gaze-stabilisation exercises or balance rehabilitation.

The aim is to address the factors contributing to your symptoms and help you return to everyday activities with greater confidence.

Specialist Vestibular Assessment at Total Physio

If dizziness, vertigo or balance difficulties are affecting your daily life, a specialist assessment can help identify possible causes and determine the next steps.

At Total Physio in Sandyford, Dublin, our vestibular rehabilitation service combines clinical assessment with an individualised treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and goals.