Introduction and objective: This article presents the current state of knowledge on the differential diagnosis of central and peripheral vertigo to facilitate daily work in the Hospital Emergency Department. What's already known about this topic?: The diagnosis should include a physical examination, a physical examination including blood pressure, pulse, and body temperature, a complete ENT examination with an orientation hearing test and reed tests, and an otoneurological examination. Nystagmus, cranial nerve function, muscle strength and tension should be assessed. Coordination tests (toe-nose, heel-knee), static-dynamic tests (Romberg test, Unterberger test), diagnostic maneuvers (Dix-Hallpike test, roll test) should be performed. Abstract: The correct diagnosis of central or peripheral vertigo is often a challenge for physicians working in a Hospital Emergency Department. In most cases, it seems crucial to take a proper medical history and then perform a thorough physical examination. Often patients are unable to accurately name their symptoms. Relying solely on medical history may lead to diagnostic errors. This article presents a basic diagnosis of vertigo according to the current medical knowledge, which can be successfully applied within a hospital emergency department.