Dizziness Handicap Test
in Calabasas, CA
Dizziness is hard to describe. This questionnaire helps put it into words.
The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a 25-question tool widely used by clinicians to understand how dizziness or unsteadiness affects daily life — physically, functionally and emotionally. Dr. Alireza Chizari, DC, DACNB, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist, uses questionnaires like this one to help structure the conversation at your first visit.
What the DHI measures
The DHI looks at three areas: physical (which movements bring symptoms on), emotional (how dizziness affects confidence and mood) and functional (what it stops you doing). Each answer scores 0, 2 or 4 points, for a total between 0 and 100.
Why your score matters
Dizziness can come from the inner ear, the visual system, the brain's balance processing, blood-pressure regulation or a mix of these. A questionnaire can't tell them apart — but it gives a useful baseline, and repeating it over time can show whether things are changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an online test for vertigo?
It's a validated questionnaire about how dizziness or unsteadiness affects your life — not a diagnostic test for vertigo or any specific condition. Only an in-person evaluation can help identify what is causing your symptoms.
What is a normal Dizziness Handicap Inventory score?
Scores from 0–14 are generally considered minimal. Published ranges describe 16–34 as mild, 36–52 as moderate and 54 or above as severe. Scores above 10 are commonly referred for further balance evaluation.
Can I take the DHI again to track my progress?
Yes. Many clinicians repeat the DHI every few weeks. A change of around 18 points is often cited in research as a meaningful difference, though everyone's situation is different.
Is my information saved or sent anywhere?
No. Your answers are scored inside your own browser and are not stored or sent to the clinic. You can print or save your results as a PDF to bring to an appointment.
What happens at a consultation in Calabasas?
At California Brain & Spine Center, Dr. Chizari reviews your history and questionnaire results, then may assess eye movements, balance and other neurological function to help decide whether care at our Calabasas clinic is appropriate for you, or whether a referral to your primary care provider or a medical neurologist is the better step.
Your Score Is a Starting Point
Dr. Chizari and our clinical team at California Brain & Spine Center can review your results with you and explain whether a functional neurology evaluation may be appropriate — for patients in Calabasas, Woodland Hills and Agoura Hills.
California Brain & Spine Center · 4768 Park Granada, Ste 107, Calabasas, CA 91302
Important: This self-assessment is for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Results vary from person to person, and no outcome is guaranteed. Seek emergency care (call 911) for dizziness that comes with sudden weakness or numbness, slurred speech, a drooping face, a sudden severe headache, chest pain, fainting, or double vision.
Source: Jacobson GP, Newman CW. The development of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990;116:424–427. Used with permission from GP Jacobson.