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Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI)

A 25-item patient-reported outcome that quantifies the impact of dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness on daily life. The items divide into three subscales — Physical, Emotional, and Functional — each rated yes (4 points), sometimes (2 points), or no (0 points). Total scores range 0–100. The DHI is the most widely used vestibular outcome measure in the world and has a minimum clinically important difference of approximately 18 points.45

Physical subscale

  1. P1Does looking up increase your problem?
  2. P4Does walking down the aisle of a supermarket increase your problem?
  3. P8Does performing more ambitious activities (e.g. sports, dancing, household chores such as sweeping or putting dishes away) increase your problem?
  4. P11Do quick movements of your head increase your problem?
  5. P13Does turning over in bed increase your problem?
  6. P17Does walking down a sidewalk increase your problem?
  7. P25Does bending over increase your problem?

Emotional subscale

  1. E2Because of your problem, do you feel frustrated?
  2. E9Because of your problem, are you afraid to leave your home without having someone accompany you?
  3. E10Because of your problem, have you been embarrassed in front of others?
  4. E15Because of your problem, are you afraid people may think you are intoxicated?
  5. E18Because of your problem, is it difficult for you to concentrate?
  6. E20Because of your problem, are you afraid to stay home alone?
  7. E21Because of your problem, do you feel handicapped?
  8. E22Has your problem placed stress on your relationships with members of your family or friends?
  9. E23Because of your problem, are you depressed?

Functional subscale

  1. F3Because of your problem, do you restrict your travel for business or recreation?
  2. F5Because of your problem, do you have difficulty getting into or out of bed?
  3. F6Does your problem significantly restrict your participation in social activities, such as going out to dinner, the cinema, dancing, or to parties?
  4. F7Because of your problem, do you have difficulty reading?
  5. F12Because of your problem, do you avoid heights?
  6. F14Because of your problem, is it difficult for you to do strenuous housework or yardwork?
  7. F16Because of your problem, is it difficult for you to go for a walk by yourself?
  8. F19Because of your problem, is it difficult for you to walk around your house in the dark?
  9. F24Does your problem interfere with your job or household responsibilities?

Validated against Jacobson & Newman 1990. Severity bands: 0–30 mild, 31–60 moderate, 61–100 severe. Minimum clinically important difference ≈ 18 points.