Which Department

Which department should I see for vertigo or dizziness?

2026-09-16 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Otolaryngology (이비인후과) is typically the first department to visit for vertigo or dizziness, as a large proportion of cases originate in the inner ear. If a neurological cause is suspected — for example, when dizziness is accompanied by sudden severe headache, slurred speech, or limb weakness — you may be referred to Neurology (신경과) or Neurosurgery (신경외과).

Which department

  1. 1Otolaryngology (이비인후과)
    The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which controls balance; conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and labyrinthitis are among the most common causes of vertigo and fall within this specialty's scope. — First / second line: Starting at a local clinic (의원) level is generally appropriate for sudden-onset spinning sensation without neurological signs; if further imaging or specialist evaluation is needed, a referral to a hospital-level department is common.
  2. 2Neurology (신경과)
    When dizziness is thought to arise from the central nervous system — such as from the cerebellum or brainstem — a neurologist evaluates the pattern and accompanying signs to distinguish central from peripheral causes. — First / second line: A referral from Otolaryngology or an emergency visit is the usual path to this department; patients with persistent dizziness plus neurological symptoms may be directed here from the outset.
  3. 3Internal Medicine / Cardiology (내과 / 심장내과)
    Dizziness can sometimes stem from systemic causes such as low blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities, anemia, or metabolic imbalance, all of which fall under internal medicine or its subspecialties. — First / second line: If a general practitioner or Otolaryngologist finds no inner-ear explanation and suspects a cardiovascular or metabolic cause, referral to internal medicine or cardiology is a common next step.
  4. 4Psychiatry / Psychosomatic Medicine (정신건강의학과)
    Chronic or persistent dizziness without a detectable structural cause can sometimes be related to anxiety, panic disorder, or psychosomatic conditions; this department may be involved after other causes have been evaluated. — First / second line: This is generally a later step in the diagnostic pathway, reached after ENT and neurology assessments have not identified a clear physical cause.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

  • Sudden severe headache that feels like the worst of your life, occurring at the same time as dizziness
  • Dizziness accompanied by facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, or sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden loss of vision or double vision alongside dizziness
  • Loss of consciousness or near-fainting with no prior warning
  • Rapidly worsening dizziness with vomiting and inability to walk or stand

Before your visit

  • Note when the dizziness first started and whether it comes in episodes or is constant.
  • Describe what triggers or worsens it — for example, changing head position, standing up quickly, or loud sounds.
  • Record any accompanying symptoms such as ringing in the ears, hearing changes, nausea, headache, or visual disturbance.
  • Bring a list of all current medications and supplements, as some can affect balance or blood pressure.
  • If you have had any previous ear problems, head injuries, or relevant test results, bring those records or images.
  • Note any recent upper respiratory infections, as inner-ear vertigo can sometimes follow a viral illness.

General principles

Dizziness and vertigo have a wide range of possible origins, broadly divided into peripheral causes (inner ear and vestibular nerve) and central causes (brain and brainstem). Because the inner ear is the most frequent source, Otolaryngology is generally the recommended first stop, allowing a structured evaluation to determine whether the cause is peripheral or requires further investigation.

The general diagnostic pathway often begins with a clinical history and physical examination, including tests of eye movement and balance, to help distinguish between different types of dizziness. Depending on findings, additional evaluations such as hearing assessments or imaging may be considered — always at the discretion of the attending physician.

In Korea, the general practice is to start at a local clinic (의원) for a first assessment; if the condition is complex or does not resolve, the clinic physician may issue a referral letter (진료의뢰서), which is typically needed to access larger hospitals under the national health insurance system. Understanding this pathway can help avoid unnecessary delays and out-of-pocket costs.

Because dizziness is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, the appropriate department can shift depending on what the initial evaluation reveals. Staying in communication with your primary physician and reporting any new or worsening symptoms is the most reliable way to navigate the referral process.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic (의원) or a larger hospital first for dizziness?

For most cases of dizziness without alarming neurological signs, starting at a local Otolaryngology or internal medicine clinic is generally the recommended approach in the Korean healthcare system. A clinic physician can conduct an initial assessment and, if necessary, issue a referral letter to a hospital-level specialist — which also helps with health insurance coverage.

How is inner-ear dizziness different from dizziness caused by a brain problem?

Inner-ear (peripheral) dizziness often presents as a clear spinning sensation that is worsened by head movement and may be accompanied by hearing changes or ear fullness. Central dizziness tends to be associated with other neurological signs such as double vision, difficulty walking, or weakness — but distinguishing between the two accurately requires a physician's evaluation.

What kinds of assessments are generally done for vertigo?

A physician will typically begin with a detailed history and a physical examination that includes observing eye movements and testing balance. Depending on the findings, hearing tests or imaging studies may be considered, but the specific assessments ordered are determined entirely by the attending physician based on individual circumstances.

Does dizziness in older adults need a different approach?

Older adults are more likely to have multiple contributing factors — such as blood pressure changes, medication side effects, or age-related balance decline — alongside any inner-ear issue, so a thorough evaluation is especially important. It is generally advisable for older patients to be accompanied by a family member or caregiver during the visit and to bring a complete medication list, as polypharmacy is a recognized contributor to dizziness in this age group.

Related questions

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This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.