Vestibular Referrals for Sydney GPs
Referral pathways, what to include, and clinician education
Why Refer to Us
GPs are the frontline of healthcare, yet dizziness is a presentation that crosses several disciplines. When you refer to Sydney Dizziness Clinic, you gain a partner — not just a destination for a difficult problem.
Your patient is assessed by a vestibular medicine doctor, with vestibular rehabilitation arranged alongside where it's needed — medical management and rehabilitation coordinated, and clear communication back to you at every step.
Care That Continues After the Referral
Structured History and Examination
Structured History and Examination
Our history-taking and examination follow a structured protocol. Where the cause cannot be established, we say so and set out the next investigation.
Objective Vestibular Testing
Objective Vestibular Testing
A structured battery assessing inner ear, brainstem and cerebellar function: recorded oculomotor testing, video head impulse testing and positional tests — with hearing and VEMPs when indicated.
From Assessment to Action
From Assessment to Action
A written management plan is provided after the assessment — education, lifestyle changes, medication, repositioning manoeuvres and onward referrals where required.
GP-Friendly Communication
GP-Friendly Communication
A detailed report after the assessment — diagnosis, investigation results, management plan and any referrals — to support shared care.
Evidence-Based Care
Evidence-Based Care
Our protocols follow the Bárány Society diagnostic criteria, and we aim to manage patients in line with those criteria.
Telehealth for Your Patients
Telehealth for Your Patients
Vestibular care for patients who cannot easily travel to our Sydney clinic locations.
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How to Refer
The Referral Pathway
Four simple steps from your desk to a detailed report back.
Click to explore the pathway →
Click the card to reveal the four-step referral pathway
Referral Contact Details
Make a referral or ask questions about our Sydney service
What to refer
Sydney Dizziness Clinic accepts referrals for patients with any symptom complex in which vestibular pathology is suspected or cannot be excluded. Common referral indications include:
Common referral indications
- Recurrent episodes of vertigo or dizziness not yet diagnosed
- BPPV that has not resolved with initial Epley, or is atypical
- Suspected vestibular migraine
- Suspected or confirmed Ménière's disease
- Persistent dizziness or imbalance following viral illness
- Chronic dizziness with postural or visual triggers (possible PPPD)
- Unexplained unilateral hearing loss with dizziness
- Dizziness in the context of ototoxic medication use
- Dizziness with gait imbalance in older patients
- Oscillopsia or bilateral vestibular symptoms
What to include
Essential information
- Duration and character of dizziness (spinning vs. rocking vs. light-headedness)
- Episode pattern (constant vs. episodic — if episodic, duration of episodes)
- Positional triggers (if any)
- Auditory symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, aural fullness)
- Neurological symptoms (diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, ataxia)
- Current medications (especially antihypertensives, aminoglycosides)
- Previous investigations (audiogram, imaging, prior specialist assessments)
- Relevant history (migraine, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease)
Urgent flags — please specify
- New acute vertigo with neurological signs — consider ED/neurology first
- Sudden unilateral hearing loss — requires urgent ENT referral
- Dizziness with new headache and papilloedema — ED immediately
Find Your Nearest Clinic
Enter your patient's postcode to find the closest Sydney Dizziness Clinic location — telehealth is available for patients who can't travel.
Clinician Education & Professional Development
Free, evidence-based resources built by the Australian Balance and Dizziness Clinics vestibular medicine doctor network — for your own learning, and for the patients in front of you.
A free library of videos, podcasts, literature reviews and patient leaflets
For You — Build Your Vestibular Skills
- A 14-topic literature review series written specifically for general clinicians — BPPV, vestibular migraine, Ménière's and more
- One-page cheat sheets designed for quick reference during a consultation
- Videos and podcasts you can watch or listen to between patients
For Your Patients — Materials You Can Hand Out
- Printable information leaflets for 35+ vestibular conditions — send one home with every diagnosis
- Patient explainer videos and audio in plain language, free on YouTube and Spotify
- Written and audiovisual material you can give patients to support your own explanation
Vestibular Medicine Courses
For GPs and GP registrars with an interest in vestibular presentations
- A structured approach to dizziness presentations
- Diagnosis and management of the common vestibular disorders
- Bedside examination skills you can use the next day
For clinicians with a specific interest in vestibular medicine
- Complex and atypical presentations
- Advanced diagnostic techniques and test interpretation
- A pathway towards vestibular medicine doctor practice
Become a Vestibular Medicine Doctor
Interested in building substantial experience in vestibular medicine? Join the Australian Balance and Dizziness Clinics network — mentorship, training pathways, and the chance to make a real difference.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Vestibular medicine doctor is a descriptive term for a medical practitioner who works primarily in the assessment and management of dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders. It is not an AHPRA-recognised specialty, specialist registration or endorsement.
How do I refer a patient?
What conditions do you manage?
What assessment do you provide?
Will I receive a report?
How does a vestibular medicine doctor differ from a neurologist or ENT surgeon?
Do you offer telehealth?
Send a Referral or Enquiry
Use the form below, or call the clinic directly on 02 6170 3351. We aim to respond to referrals within two business days.