Headache Impact Test (HIT-6)
in Calabasas, CA
Six questions to describe what your headaches are really costing you.
The HIT-6™ is a short questionnaire designed to help you describe and communicate how headaches affect your ability to function at work, at home and socially. Dr. Alireza Chizari, DC, DACNB, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist, often reviews results like these alongside a full history at your first visit.
What the HIT-6 measures
Each of the six questions looks at a different way headaches can interfere with life — pain severity, daily activities, needing to lie down, fatigue, irritability and concentration. Answers are weighted from 6 to 13 points, for a total between 36 and 78.
Why your score matters
Two people with the same number of headache days can be affected very differently. The HIT-6 captures that impact, which helps any clinician understand what you're dealing with. Headaches that disrupt your life may be migraine or another headache type worth evaluating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good HIT-6 score?
A score of 49 or below suggests little to no impact. 50–55 indicates some impact, 56–59 substantial impact, and 60 or above a very severe impact. Higher scores mean headaches are affecting your life more.
Does a high score mean I have migraine?
Not necessarily. The HIT-6 measures impact, not cause. Headaches that score 50 or higher can be migraine, but they can also have other causes, so a proper evaluation is the next step.
How often should I retake the HIT-6?
Taking it about once a month gives you a simple way to track whether your headaches are changing over time — useful information to bring to any appointment.
Is my information saved or sent anywhere?
No. Your answers are scored in your own browser and aren't stored or sent to the clinic. You can print your result or save it as a PDF.
Can headaches be evaluated at a clinic in Calabasas?
Yes. At California Brain & Spine Center in Calabasas, Dr. Chizari reviews your headache history and may assess neurological, visual and vestibular function to help decide whether functional neurology care is appropriate, 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 a sudden “worst-ever” headache, a headache with fever and stiff neck, confusion, weakness, loss of vision or speech, or a headache after a head injury.
Source: HIT-6™ US (English) Version 1.1. ©2000, 2001 QualityMetric, Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies. All rights reserved. HIT is not intended to offer medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment.