Dizziness and Vertigo: which doctor should you see?
Short answer: most cases of dizziness and vertigo are handled by a Neurologist. Read on for the exceptions.
What this symptom means
Dizziness and vertigo are not the same thing. Vertigo is a false sense that you or the room is spinning, and it usually originates in the inner ear. Lightheadedness, by contrast, is the feeling that you might faint, and it more often relates to blood pressure or the heart. Describing which one you have helps route you correctly.
Common causes
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Inner ear inflammation or infection
- Meniere disease
- Migraine-associated vertigo
- Low blood pressure or dehydration
- Medication side effects
Which doctor treats dizziness and vertigo?
True spinning vertigo, especially when triggered by head movement, is often best evaluated by an ENT. Dizziness with headaches, numbness, or other neurological symptoms points toward a neurologist. Lightheadedness on standing, or dizziness with palpitations, may warrant a cardiologist. A primary care physician can help distinguish these.
When it may be urgent
- Dizziness with sudden weakness or numbness on one side
- Dizziness with trouble speaking or seeing
- Dizziness with a severe sudden headache
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Dizziness after a head injury
Frequently asked questions
- Which doctor treats vertigo?
- An ENT commonly treats vertigo caused by the inner ear. A neurologist treats vertigo linked to migraine or other neurological conditions.
- What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
- Vertigo is a spinning sensation, usually from the inner ear. Dizziness or lightheadedness is a feeling of faintness, more often related to blood pressure, hydration, or the heart.
- Is dizziness a sign of stroke?
- It can be, particularly when it appears suddenly alongside weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or vision changes. Those combinations require emergency care immediately.
Related symptom guides
Track this before your appointment
Doctors think in patterns. Our symptom timeline builder records when this happens, how severe it is, and what you have tried, then prints a summary you can hand over.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine (medlineplus.gov)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
- Relevant national medical specialty association guidance