What does HYS stand for?

Hoehn and Yahr Scale

The Hoehn and Yahr Scale (HYS) is a widely used clinical tool for assessing the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). First introduced in 1967, the scale classifies the severity of PD symptoms into five stages, helping doctors and researchers evaluate a patient's motor function deterioration over time.

- Stage 1 – Mild symptoms affecting one side of the body, minimal impairment.

- Stage 2 – Symptoms on both sides, but balance remains intact.

- Stage 3 – Noticeable movement difficulties, balance issues, and increased fall risk.

- Stage 4 – Severe disability, requiring assistance for walking and daily activities.

- Stage 5 – Advanced stage, patient may be bedridden or need full-time care.

HYS helps neurologists tailor treatment plans based on disease progression. While it provides a general framework, modern Parkinson's assessments often combine the HYS scale with more comprehensive neurological tests for detailed patient evaluation.