🧠 NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Quantify acute stroke severity with the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS, 0–42).
NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
1a. Level of consciousness
1b. LOC questions (month, age)
1c. LOC commands (open eyes, grip)
2. Best gaze
3. Visual fields
4. Facial palsy
5a. Left arm motor
5b. Right arm motor
6a. Left leg motor
6b. Right leg motor
7. Limb ataxia
8. Sensory
9. Best language
10. Dysarthria
11. Extinction/inattention
When to use
Standardised stroke severity assessment to guide treatment and track change.
How it works
Sum of 15 items (consciousness, gaze, fields, facial/limb motor, ataxia, sensory, language, dysarthria, extinction). 1–4 minor, 5–15 moderate, 16–20 moderate–severe, 21–42 severe.
Key points
- Higher scores predict larger infarcts and worse outcome.
- Used in reperfusion decisions and serial monitoring.
- Follow the official scoring rules for each item.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.