Vertigo is the unpleasant sensation of feeling off balance, often described as a “dizzy spell.” If you suffer from vertigo, you may feel like you are spinning – or, conversely, like the world around you is spinning. And while vertigo is often caused by an inner ear problem, there are several factors to take into consideration when it comes to how to diagnose vertigo.
How to Diagnose Vertigo
Types of Vertigo
Before a doctor can properly diagnose vertigo, they must first determine if the vertigo is peripheral or central.
Peripheral vertigo is the most common type of vertigo, and problems in the inner ear typically cause it. Peripheral vertigo originates in the vestibular system, the tiny organs and channels in the inner ear that control balance. Specific head movements – like turning your head to one side – often trigger peripheral vertigo. Patients with peripheral vertigo often experience hearing loss and tinnitus in addition to vertigo.
Central vertigo, on the other hand, begins outside of the inner ear. A medical condition in a small area of the brain leads to this type of vertigo; specifically, the area that controls balance and spatial awareness. Central vertigo can result from an injury like a concussion or a condition like stroke.
Dix-Hallpike Test for Vertigo
The first vertigo test doctors typically run is known as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. While this maneuver might sound complicated, it’s actually quite simple. The Dix-Hallpike is used to test for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of vertigo. To conduct this test, your healthcare provider will simply 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, maintaining the 45-degree head turn for at least 30 seconds. If you experience vertigo during this test, you likely have BPPV.
Audiometric Tests for Vertigo
If the Dix-Hallpike maneuver is inconclusive, doctors often opt for audiometric tests. These are simple hearing tests that help doctors assess the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. For example, one of these tests involves a sensitive probe that produces a combination of sounds in the ear canal. If the inner ear is working as it should, the sensory receptors in the ear will send an echo to the probe. If the inner ear is not functioning properly, the probe won’t be able to detect an echo.
Other Tests for Vertigo
If your doctor is unable to draw a conclusion from the Dix-Hallpike or audiometric tests, there are several other testing options:
- Videonystagmography: This type of testing allows audiologists to record and interpret eye movements, which can help assess the inner ear. During this test, patients wear a pair of infrared light goggles to allow the doctor to record eye movements.
- Head Impulse Test: This test evaluates the partnership between your eyes and inner ears. In this simple test, your doctor will quickly rotate your head to assess your reflex functions.
- Romberg Test: This is another straightforward test that can help determine the cause of a case of vertigo. In this test, patients are asked to stand with both feet together, then close their eyes. The doctor uses the ensuing swaying or balance issues to assess the cause of vertigo.
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Determining how to diagnose vertigo takes a few things into account – namely, preexisting conditions, the type of vertigo, and the severity of the condition. Through a series of simple tests like the ones described above, doctors can quickly diagnose vertigo and provide relief to patients.
Are you struggling with vertigo? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.
FAQs
Physical Exam. An otolaryngologist performs a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of the cause of vertigo. He or she uses delicate instruments to magnify and examine the ear canal and eardrum. Your doctor may also examine your eye movements or ask you to track an object from one point in space to another.
How do you diagnose yourself with vertigo? ›
To determine affected side:
- Sit on a bed so that if you lie down, your head hangs slightly over the end of the bed.
- Turn your head to the right and lie back quickly.
- Wait 1 minute.
- If you feel dizzy, then the right ear is your affected ear.
- If no dizziness occurs, sit up.
- Wait 1 minute.
NYU Langone otolaryngologists—also known as ear, nose, and throat doctors—work with audiologists and neurologists to diagnose vertigo and help people manage symptoms.
How do you diagnose central vertigo? ›
The evaluation of central vertigo involves obtaining a detailed medical history, performing a thorough physical examination, and conducting diagnostic tests such as imaging studies and vestibular function tests.
What is the hint test for vertigo? ›
The HINTS exam is a cluster of three bedside clinical tests that aim to assess individuals presenting with acute-onset dizziness, vertigo, nystagmus, head motion intolerance, and nausea/vomiting, also known as acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). HINTS is an acronym for the three tests included: The Head Impulse Test (HI-)
Is there a vitamin deficiency that causes vertigo? ›
One of the reasons for vertigo, which patients describe as a 'feeling of turning', is a lack of vitamins. Yeditepe University Hospitals Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Specialists, who drew attention to the latest research, said "Iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 and D deficiency cause vertigo".
What disease can be mistaken for vertigo? ›
Common disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vestibular neuritis are frequently confused for one another1 and for more serious central causes such as stroke.
What drink stops dizziness? ›
Drinking lemon juice helps to maintain the energy level and lower dizziness, as lemon is rich in Vitamin C and has helped in decreasing dizziness. Vitamin-rich foods like berries, tomatoes, and green vegetables should be a part of your diet.
How do you know if your inner ear is causing dizziness? ›
Check if you have labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis
- dizziness or feeling that everything around you is spinning (vertigo)
- feeling unsteady and off balance – you might find it difficult to stay upright or walk in a straight line.
- feeling or being sick.
- hearing loss.
- ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
Doctors use the Dix-Hallpike test (sometimes called the Dix-Hallpike maneuver) to check for a common type of vertigo called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. Vertigo is the sudden feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning.
Otolaryngologist/ENT
If your main symptoms are vertigo and imbalance, you should see an ENT doctor, who may refer you to our center.
What is the best medication for vertigo? ›
Medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines, can help in most cases of vertigo. Your GP may refer you to an ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist or a balance physiotherapist if needed.
How do you know if dizziness is vertigo or something else? ›
Dizziness can be a range of sensations including feeling light-headed, faint, woozy, giddy, unsteady, off-balance or weak. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that feels as though you or your surroundings are spinning.
How do they test for vertigo symptoms? ›
Vertigo diagnostic tests
- f*ckuda-Unterberger test. Your healthcare provider will ask you to march in place for 30 seconds with your eyes closed. ...
- Romberg's test. ...
- Head impulse test. ...
- Vestibular test battery. ...
- Imaging tests: These may include CT (computed tomography) scans or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
In addition to the physical examination, several diagnostic tests may be used to help to diagnose vertigo, including audiometry, electronystagmography (ENG), videonystagmography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) scan [5].
