To rule out the serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, hemorrhage or tumor, it is important to diagnosis the cause of vertigo. For the correct diagnosis, the patient must describe in much detail about their dizziness and how it occurs. The health specialist will ask about other symptoms and medical problems.

Diagnosis test performed for vertigo may include :

Physical examination of ears and eyes including measuring blood pressure and heart rate.

Neurological examination also known as Electronystagmography (ENG) is used to evaluate the vestibular system. It involves testing hearing in both ears (audiometry tests), testing eye movements, and evaluating responses to changes in posture and position. During an ENG, the patient sits in a reclining chair while electrodes are placed on his face and forehead to track and measure eye movement. Then, the patient is passed through a series of movements to detect abnormal responses and determine where the problem seems to be.

Blood tests may include a complete blood count (CBC) and kidney and thyroid panels to rule out systemic diseases.

Imaging Tests may also perform to brain abnormalities such as tumors or strokes. Computed tomography (CT scan) produces x-ray images of the brain and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) uses a magnetic field to produce detailed images of brain tissue and arteries in the neck and brain.