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ent neurology

Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI)

25-item self-report (Jacobson 1990). Functional, emotional and physical sub-scales. Each item: No (0), Sometimes (2), Yes (4). Total 0–100. Pick severity band — for full score use DHI form.

Score interpretation

Mild dizziness handicap 0

→ Reassurance, education, vestibular self-rehabilitation (Cawthorne-Cooksey).

Moderate dizziness handicap 1

→ Vestibular rehabilitation therapy referral. Investigate cause (BPPV: Dix-Hallpike + Epley; vestibular migraine; Ménière's).

Severe dizziness handicap 2

→ Urgent neuro-otology / ENT referral. Audiometry, VNG, MRI brain/IAM. Consider vestibular migraine prophylaxis, intratympanic gentamicin/steroid for refractory Ménière's, surgical options for BPPV.

Interpretation bands for the DHI. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.