What Tests Will My Doctor Use to Diagnose Vertigo?
Several tests are used to determine if you have vertigo and what’s causing your symptoms.
Vertigo is a symptom that can be linked to many different medical conditions. 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.
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:
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 something in your head.
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 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. (1)
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. (2)
For the Romberg test, you’ll be asked to stand with your feet together. Then, you’ll close your eyes. Your doctor will assess how much you sway or fall to determine what’s causing your vertigo. (1)
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. (1)
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. (3)
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. (3)
Other tests used to diagnose vertigo may include:
If your doctor suspects other issues are causing your vertigo symptoms, you might be given different tests.
Your primary care physician, neurologist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can perform some assessments to diagnose your vertigo. But you may be referred to an audiologist, physical therapist, radiologist, or other expert for more specialized testing. (3)
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 of 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. (4) Try to remain optimistic, even if this happens. There are several effective treatment options that can help your symptoms.
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