Vertigo Tests Doctors Use to Better Understand Symptoms
Neurological DisordersVertigo

What Vertigo Tests Will My Doctor Use to Better Understand Symptoms?

What Vertigo Tests Will My Doctor Use to Better Understand Symptoms?
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Updated on January 22, 2026
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Vertigo is an unpleasant symptom triggered by a false sensory signal from your balance system to your brain that your surroundings are spinning, tilting, or moving, which can make you feel dizzy or disoriented when you’re still. It can be linked to many different medical conditions, such as labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

You might need one or more tests or procedures to help your doctor learn more about your underlying condition. Many of these exams require special equipment and a trained professional.

Some assessments can be quick and painless, while others are time-consuming and uncomfortable. Your physician can tell you what tests are appropriate for your situation.

Common Vertigo Tests Used to Make a Diagnosis

Vertigo is a symptom of a number of conditions, rather than a disorder itself. There are two main types of vertigo.

  • Peripheral vertigo This is the common type of vertigo, which occurs when there are problems with your inner ear and vestibular nerve. Both of these play a vital role in the body’s ability to maintain balance.
  • Central vertigo Less common, this type of vertigo is the result of an illness or injury affecting the brain.

Various tests can help your doctor determine which type of vertigo you have or if your dizziness is related to another health condition. After asking about your symptoms, documenting your health history, and performing a general physical exam, your doctor might suggest one or more of the following tests.

Dix-Hallpike Maneuver

The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is commonly used if your doctor suspects you have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — the most common cause of vertigo. This method can also help your physician figure out if your vertigo is due to an inner ear problem or another issue.

Your healthcare provider will turn your head 45 degrees to one side. Then, you’ll quickly lie on your back, with your head off the side of the table, and maintain the 45-degree head turn for at least 30 seconds. Your doctor will inspect your eyes to see if they shift involuntarily (a sign of BPPV) and ask if you feel dizzy. The procedure is then repeated on the other side.

You should know that this test could trigger unpleasant bouts of vertigo. If you develop symptoms during this test, your doctor will determine that you do indeed have vertigo.

Head Impulse Test

The head impulse test evaluates how well your eyes and inner ears work together. It’s often used if a condition called vestibular neuritis is suspected. Your doctor will quickly rotate your head to look for certain rapid eye movements and reflex functions that could imply a problem in the semicircular canals of the inner ear.

Romberg Test

For the Romberg test, you’ll be asked to stand with your feet together. First you’ll be assessed with your eyes open and then you’ll close your eyes. Your doctor will examine how much you sway or fall. If you become unsteady or begin to sway only when your eyes are closed, the test is considered positive. This test can help doctors identify neurological conditions like Ménière’s disease.

Fukuda-Unterberger Test

The Fukuda-Unterberger test requires you to march with your eyes closed. Your physician will look at how your body strays from the midline to identify which side of your body is affected by vertigo.

Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG)

ENG and VNG are used to detect abnormal eye movements and determine if vertigo symptoms are caused by an inner ear problem.

ENG uses electrodes and VNG uses small cameras to measure eye movements while your head is placed in different positions or as you’re asked to track certain visual targets. Air or water may also be used to control your ear canal temperature. These tests are usually performed in a dark room and may elicit jerking eye movements.

Rotation Tests

Rotation tests are used to see how well the eyes and inner ear work together. They involve moving the head slowly from side to side while analyzing eye movements. There are different types of rotation tests. You may be asked to sit in a chair that moves from side to side, or to look at a fixed target and move your head back and forth or up and down.

Other Tests You May Get to Diagnose the Cause of Vertigo

Here are some other tests used to diagnose underlying causes of vertigo.

  • Posturography Posturography analyzes your balance and posture. You’ll stand on a platform with your bare feet and try to hold your balance under different conditions, such as when the platform is moving or tilting while your eyes are opened or closed or your head is moving.

  • Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) This method evaluates whether your nerves and other parts of your body that are associated with the inner ear or balance are working properly. Sounds are played through earphones and special electrodes pick up and record the results.

  • Hearing Tests These tests, also known as audiometric tests, measure your hearing function and can detect issues in the inner ear. They can also help your physician figure out if there’s a problem with the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. There are several different types of hearing tests available. One test, called electrocochleography, helps determine if fluid buildup is causing excessive pressure in your inner ear.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) An MRI scan may be used to help your doctor identify possible causes for your vertigo symptoms and rule out others. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the inside of your body. This test is often used in people with hearing loss or neurological symptoms to pinpoint a cause. An MRI may show fluid buildup, inflammation in the inner ear, or a growth on the nerve.

  • Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan A CT scan is often used to let doctors see abnormalities, such as fractures or thinning bone, around the inner ear, which may impact vertigo symptoms.

  • Vision Tests Sometimes vision tests are recommended to help doctors rule out conditions that aren’t related to the vestibular system. If you have blurred vision, your doctor may refer you to an eye specialist for further testing.

  • Blood Work A blood test can reveal problems that could be to blame for your dizziness complaints. Your doctor might check your blood cell count, thyroid function, blood sugar levels, electrolytes, and more.

  • Allergy Tests Sometimes allergies are the culprit for vertigo symptoms. Identifying what you’re allergic to may help doctors figure out what’s triggering your attacks.

If your doctor suspects other issues are causing your vertigo symptoms, you might be given different tests.

What Kind of Specialist Performs Vertigo Tests?

Your primary care physician, neurologist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can perform some assessments to diagnose underlying causes of vertigo. But you may be referred to an audiologist, physical therapist, radiologist, or other expert for more specialized testing.

How Many Tests Will I Need to Get for a Diagnosis?

The testing you’ll need will depend on what your doctor thinks is causing your vertigo symptoms.

It’s important to tell your physician about all your signs and symptoms, so you both can come up with a strategy to diagnose and treat the underlying condition that’s triggering your vertigo episodes.

Even after extensive testing, a cause for vertigo isn’t always identified.

 Try to remain optimistic, even if this happens. There are several effective treatment options that can help your symptoms, including medications, rehabilitation exercises, and in rare instances, surgery.

The Takeaway

  • Multiple tests, such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, Romberg test, and the head impulse test, may be necessary to identify issues underlying vertigo.
  • Discomfort may arise during some diagnostic procedures, like the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, but tolerating the tests could lead to an accurate assessment of your vertigo so you can receive appropriate treatments.
  • If your vertigo is persistent or severe, it's crucial to seek medical help from your primary care physician, neurologist, or ENT to uncover possible causes and establish an appropriate care regimen.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Vertigo. Cleveland Clinic. May 9, 2023.
  2. Vertigo-Associated Disorders. MedlinePlus. December 31, 2023.
  3. Dix-Hallpike Maneuver. Cleveland Clinic. September 1, 2025.
  4. Romberg Test. Cleveland Clinic. April 28, 2022.
  5. Tests for Diagnosing Vestibular Disorders. Vestibular Disorders Association.
  6. Diagnosing Vertigo. NYU Langone.
  7. Can Allergies Make You Dizzy? Cleveland Clinic. April 25, 2022.
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