Analysis & Trends
Understanding Your BASDAI Score
The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index is the gold standard for measuring your AxSpA activity. Here's what those numbers actually mean.
If you're managing Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), you've likely encountered the BASDAI score during your rheumatologist visits. BASDAI stands for the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and it is a crucial tool for both you and your doctor to understand how active your disease is.
What does it measure?
The BASDAI is a simple questionnaire that asks you to rate your symptoms on a scale from 0 to 10. It focuses on six key areas:
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Spinal pain
- Joint pain (in joints other than the neck, back, or hips)
- Areas of localized tenderness (enthesitis)
- The severity of morning stiffness
- The duration of morning stiffness
How to interpret your score
The total score ranges from 0 to 10. Generally, a score of less than 4 indicates that your AxSpA is well-controlled. A score of 4 or higher suggests suboptimal control and might prompt your doctor to consider adjusting your treatment plan, such as switching to or introducing biologic therapies.
Tracking in AS Log: The AS Log app includes a dedicated BASDAI calculator and analysis view. By logging your scores regularly, you can visualize your disease activity over time, making your next doctor's appointment much more productive.
Why tracking over time matters
A single BASDAI score gives a snapshot of how you feel today. However, tracking your score over months and years provides a powerful trend line. It can help identify whether a new medication is working, if seasonal changes affect your symptoms, or if a flare-up is resolving.
Ready to start tracking?
Download AS Log today to calculate your BASDAI score and visualize your disease activity over time.
