Criteria

Dizziness Handicap Inventory[41]

The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) can help to determine the level of impairment experienced by a patient with dizziness. It incorporates measurement of emotional, functional, and physical impact of the dizziness on the patient's life. Subscores for each of these elements can then be calculated, along with an overall score.

The inventory comprises 25 questions, to which the patient can reply "no", "yes", or "sometimes".

  • Emotional (E) items (9): Questions 2, 9, 10, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23

  • Functional (F) items (9): Questions 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 16, 19, 24

  • Physical (P) items (7): 1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 17, 25

For each question, a response of "no" scores 0 points, "sometimes" scores 2 points, and "yes" scores 4 points, giving:

  • Minimum subscore or total score: 0

  • Maximum emotional or functional subscore: 36

  • Maximum physical subscore: 28

  • Maximum total score: 100

  • The higher the score, the greater the handicap.

Questions:

  1. Does looking up increase your problem? (P)

  2. Because of your problem, do you feel frustrated? (E)

  3. Because of your problem, do you restrict your travel for business or recreation? (F)

  4. Does walking down the aisle of a supermarket increase your problems? (P)

  5. Because of your problem, do you have difficulty getting into or out of bed? (F)

  6. Does your problem significantly restrict your participation in social activities such as going out to dinner, going to the cinema (movies), dancing, or going to parties? (F)

  7. Because of your problem, do you have difficulty reading? (F)

  8. Does performing more ambitious activities such as sport, dancing, household chores (sweeping or putting dishes away) increase your problems? (P)

  9. Because of your problem, are you afraid to leave your home without having someone accompany you? (E)

  10. Because of your problem, have you been embarrassed in front of others? (E)

  11. Do quick movements of your head increase your problem? (P)

  12. Because of your problem, do you avoid heights? (F)

  13. Does turning over in bed increase your problem? (P)

  14. Because of your problem, is it difficult for you to do strenuous housework or garden (yard) work? (F)

  15. Because of your problem, are you afraid people may think you are intoxicated? (E)

  16. Because of your problem, is it difficult for you to go for a walk by yourself? (F)

  17. Does walking down a pavement (sidewalk) increase your problem? (P)

  18. Because of your problem, is it difficult for you to concentrate? (E)

  19. Because of your problem, is it difficult for you to walk around your home in the dark? (F)

  20. Because of your problem, are you afraid to stay home alone? (E)

  21. Because of your problem, do you feel handicapped? (E)

  22. Has the problem placed stress on your relationships with members of your family or friends? (E)

  23. Because of your problem, are you depressed? (E)

  24. Does your problem interfere with your job or household responsibilities? (F)

  25. Does bending over increase your problem? (P)

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer