When the World Feels Like It’s Spinning: Using Infrared Goggles to Diagnose Vertigo

Insights from Jennifer Thalmann, DPT, physical therapist at Perham Health, who shared her expertise and personal experience with vertigo treatment.

Vertigo is one of those conditions people often struggle to describe but never forget experiencing. It can make the world feel like it’s spinning out of control – but the good news is, it’s highly treatable. Many patients describe feeling dizzy, as if the room is spinning, or as if they are floating or walking on sand. As a physical therapist who treats vertigo—and someone who has experienced it myself—I understand exactly how unsettling it can be.

What people need to know is that most vertigo is highly treatable, especially when we have the right diagnostic tools. One of the most valuable tools in our clinic is a pair of infrared goggles designed specifically to help identify the source of vertigo quickly and accurately.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is often caused by a problem within the inner ear. Inside each of our ears are fluid-filled canals that help the brain understand movement and balance. When the fluid shifts, tiny nerve hairs signal to the brain if we’re moving forward, moving backward, or rotating our head side to side.

In the most common form of vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), small crystals in the ear become dislodged and fall into a canal. This disrupts the smooth movement of fluid, sending incorrect signals to the brain and causing spinning or drifting sensations that patients describe.

Other types of vertigo include vestibular migraines and vertigo related to stroke or brain injury – each requiring different treatment strategies.

How Infrared Goggles Help Diagnose Vertigo

A key part of diagnosing vertigo is observing eye movements. When the vestibular system is disrupted, the eyes often make rapid, uncontrolled movements called nystagmus. The pattern and direction of these movements reveal which canal and ear are affected.

At Perham Health, we use infrared vertigo goggles to make this process more accurate. The goggles resemble scuba gear, but inside, everything is pitch black for the patient. A small camera records eye movements so I can analyze them in real time and review with the patient afterward. This technology allows us to pinpoint the problem quickly and treat it effectively.

Treatment Options

• BPPV (the crystal-related type): Once we identify the affected ear and canal, we guide patients through positional maneuvers to move the crystals back where they belong. Most patients feel significantly better within one to two sessions.
• Vestibular migraines: These require a combination of medical management, vestibular exercises, and sometimes lifestyle changes.
• Vertigo from stroke or brain injury: Treatment focuses on balance retraining, eye-tracking exercises, and strengthening the connection between the eyes and vestibular system.

Regardless of the cause, the goal is to restore stability, reduce dizziness, and give patients tools they can use at home. For BPPV specifically, I also provide home instructions so patients can manage symptoms if they return.

A Provider Who Understands

My own history with vertigo is one reason I’m passionate about helping others. I first experienced symptoms when I was young but didn’t know treatment existed until graduate school. Learning how effective these maneuvers were changed everything – I can now treat my own symptoms within hours to a day. I’ve used infrared goggles on myself during flare-ups to confirm the diagnosis and resolve symptoms quickly.

You Don’t Have to Live with Vertigo

Many people struggle with vertigo for months or years without realizing that physical therapy can help. Recently, I treated a patient who endured symptoms for three years before learning that treatment was available. For most people – especially those with BPPV – treatment is straightforward and fast.

If dizziness or spinning sensations have been holding you back, know that help is available—and often faster than you think. With tools like infrared goggles and proven treatment techniques, diagnosis is more accurate than ever. Most people find relief quickly and regain confidence in their balance.

Join Us for an Elevate Coffee Talk to Learn More

Join Jennifer for an engaging Coffee Talk at the PACC on March 4, where she’ll break down the different types of vertigo and treatment options in a clear, approachable way. You’ll even get to see a live demonstration of the infrared goggles used during care. The session will wrap up with plenty of time for questions. This free event is open to everyone—register today on Elevate’s website.