BASDAI Score Calculator
Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index - Assess disease activity and treatment effectiveness
Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Assessment
Instructions: Please answer each question relating to the past week. Rate each symptom on a scale of 0-10, where 0 means no problem and 10 means very severe problem.
1. Fatigue/Tiredness
How would you describe the overall level of fatigue/tiredness you have experienced?
2. AS Neck, Back or Hip Pain
How would you describe the overall level of AS neck, back or hip pain you have had?
3. Pain/Swelling in Joints
How would you describe the overall level of pain/swelling in joints other than neck, back or hips you have had?
4. Discomfort from Areas Tender to Touch
How would you describe the overall level of discomfort you have had from any areas tender to touch or pressure?
5. Morning Stiffness Severity
How would you describe the overall level of morning stiffness you have had from the time you wake up?
6. Morning Stiffness Duration
How long does your morning stiffness last from the time you wake up? (0 = 0 hours, 10 = 2+ hours)
BASDAI Score Results
Clinical Recommendations:
Maintain current treatment regimen
Score Interpretation
AS Key Symptoms
Back Pain & Stiffness
Especially lower back, worse in morning
Joint Pain
Hips, shoulders, knees, ankles
Fatigue
Chronic tiredness and exhaustion
Morning Stiffness
Lasting 30+ minutes after waking
Treatment Options
NSAIDs (naproxen, ibuprofen)
DMARDs (disease-modifying drugs)
Biologic agents (TNF inhibitors)
Physical therapy & exercise
Surgery (in severe cases)
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and BASDAI
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It causes pain and stiffness that typically starts in young adulthood (20s-30s) and can progress over time, potentially leading to spinal fusion.
BASDAI Score Purpose
The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) was developed in 1994 to provide a quick, reliable method for assessing disease activity and treatment effectiveness in AS patients. It takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes to complete.
BASDAI Formula
BASDAI = (Q1+Q2+Q3+Q4+(Q5+Q6)/2)/5
- Q1-Q4: Individual symptom scores (0-10)
- Q5-Q6: Morning stiffness questions (averaged)
- Final Score: 0-10 scale
- Interpretation: ≥4 indicates high disease activity
Note: Questions 5 and 6 are averaged because both relate to morning stiffness, ensuring this symptom isn't overweighted in the final score.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
The BASDAI calculator is a validated clinical assessment tool but should only be used as part of comprehensive medical evaluation. This tool is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment decisions. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis should work closely with rheumatologists or other qualified healthcare providers to interpret BASDAI scores and make treatment decisions. A score ≥4 may indicate need for treatment adjustment, but all therapeutic decisions should be made in consultation with healthcare professionals.
Clinical Applications & Guidelines
✅ BASDAI 0-2 (Good Control)
- • Continue current treatment
- • Regular monitoring
- • Maintain exercise regimen
- • Lifestyle modifications
- • Annual reassessment
⚠️ BASDAI 2-4 (Moderate Activity)
- • Monitor more frequently
- • Consider treatment optimization
- • Assess compliance
- • Physiotherapy referral
- • Re-evaluate in 3-6 months
🚨 BASDAI ≥4 (High Activity)
- • Consider biologic therapy
- • Evaluate for clinical trials
- • Urgent rheumatology review
- • Treatment escalation needed
- • Monthly monitoring