Neuro-QoL™ Score Cut Points

General guidelines for interpreting Neuro-QoL scores have been constructed using different methods. 

Neuro-QoL scores have a mean of 50 and standard deviation (SD) of 10 in a referent population.  

  • Scores 0.5 – 1.0 SD worse than the mean = mild symptoms/impairment
  • Scores 1.0 – 2.0 SD worse than the mean = moderate symptoms/impairment
  • Scores 2.0 SD or more worse than the mean = severe symptoms/impairment

score interpretation image final NeuroQoL 5 21 17 less space

Standard Setting Using Bookmarking

Researchers have adopted a method applied in educational testing to identify thresholds for levels of academic outcomes (e.g., math proficiency levels). This method, called Bookmarking, has been used to establish thresholds for severity levels (e.g., no problems, mild problems, moderate problems, severe problems) in multiple patient populations. For example, Cook et al (2015) used bookmarking with patients with multiple sclerosis and multiple sclerosis clinicians to construct meaningful cut scores for:

  • Neuro-QoL Fatigue
  • Neuro-QoL Lower Extremity Function
  • Neuro-QoL Upper Extremity Function
  • Neuro-QoL Sleep Disturbance