Migraine Self Test
The MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment) questionnaire is designed to help assess how much your headaches affect your daily life.
What is the MIDAS test?
The MIDAS Test (Migraine Disability Assessment) is a simple yet scientifically validated questionnaire developed in the late 1990s by Dr. Richard B. Lipton and Dr. Walter F. Stewart. It is designed to measure how much your migraines impact your daily life. The test helps quantify the level of disability caused by migraines in areas such as work, school, household responsibilities, and social activities.
Why take the MIDAS test?
Migraines aren’t just headaches — they can seriously interfere with your quality of life. The MIDAS test helps you:
- Understand how severely your migraines affect your daily routine
- Track changes in migraine frequency and intensity over time
- Communicate more clearly with your doctor
- Make more informed decisions about treatment options
How does the MIDAS test work?
The MIDAS test consists of 5 quick questions that focus on the past 3 months. You’ll be asked how many days migraines have:
- Prevented you from going to work or school
- Stopped you from doing household chores
- Limited your participation in social, family, or leisure activities
- Reduced your productivity at work or school
- Affected your ability to perform daily tasks at home
Each answer contributes to a total score that reflects the overall disability caused by your migraines.
How to interpret your MIDAS score
| Score | Disability Level |
|---|---|
| 0–5 | Little or no disability |
| 6–10 | Mild disability |
| 11–20 | Moderate disability |
| 21+ | Severe disability |
Knowing your level helps both you and your healthcare provider determine the best course of action.
Is the MIDAS test scientifically valid?
Yes. The MIDAS test was developed by headache specialists and is widely used by neurologists and researchers worldwide. It is endorsed by organizations like the American Headache Society and the International Headache Society.