Dancing with the Stars performer Val Chmerkovskiy was recently sidelined while on tour in Peoria, Illinois, after experiencing severe dizziness—symptoms doctors traced to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. The condition, caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear, has also affected Bloomington resident Dave Williams for decades. Treatment methods have come a long way, from basic medications to advanced technology like diagnostic goggles and virtual reality systems at OSF HealthCare. Specialists at OSF HealthCare explain that this condition is caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear moving into the wrong area, disrupting balance and causing severe spinning sensations. Technology has advanced rapidly, with high-tech goggles now allowing therapists to pinpoint trouble spots and guide effective treatments, such as the Epley maneuver. For long-time sufferers like David Williams of Bloomington, these innovations mean quicker recovery and fewer surprises.
“Well in my 40s one night, I woke up and I thought I was having a heart attack because everything was spinning, and I had cold chills. I was in cold sweats.”
A new generation of diagnostic goggles is transforming how therapists identify and treat balance disorders, particularly benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. Featuring high-definition cameras and advanced software, the latest goggles from Vestibular First allow therapists to record, zoom, and playback subtle eye movements that signal trouble in the inner ear. This technology replaces guesswork with precise analysis, enabling targeted home exercises that help reposition misplaced calcium crystals in the ear. While most patients see improvement after a few therapy sessions, those with recurring vertigo may need further treatment and should consider monitoring their vitamin D levels to help maintain healthy inner ear function.
“So, it has changed significantly in the sense that it has made it very clear what the problem is and I think 20 years ago, sometimes we were guessing based on test position and symptoms,” says Cottone. “And I think that’s why we had a longer trajectory of recovery than we’re seeing now.” “A good part of it is from the old days, when there wasn’t much you could do but take the meclizine [motion sickness medication] and wait it out. That, you know, with the right treatment, the right diagnosis, and the right exercises, you can fix it pretty quick.”
At OSF Rehabilitation, advanced technology like the Bertec system is reshaping balance therapy. Bertec combines virtual reality with force plates to track users’ movements and pinpoint weaknesses, particularly within the vestibular system, which controls balance. Patients experience immersive exercises and real-time feedback, enabling physical therapists to design precise rehabilitation plans—even for those without a clear diagnosis. Experts caution that dizziness should never be ignored, as it can signal treatable issues or more serious medical concerns. The accessibility of such cutting-edge equipment in rural communities means individuals can receive thorough, specialized care close to home, making a profound difference for many.
“The Bertec really helps us identify, ‘Well, I think you’re having trouble in a busy environment, or you’re having trouble when you’re scrolling on your phone or reading on your Kindle because the ear is weak and the eyes are working overtime,’” Cottone explains. “So, it allows us to see where in the system the weakness is, and from there, we can put the patient through fairly lifelike circumstances to rehab them.”
“Having this equipment, especially the goggles and then the Bertec, is an added plus. It really allows community members to stay within their community and get the best care possible and very thorough care. And then if we’re not the ones that can help you with whatever is going on, we’ll at least know that and we’ll be able to then move you on within OSF to the right provider.”