Neurology Emergency Medicine A

NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)

15-item neurological assessment tool quantifying stroke severity. Guides thrombolysis eligibility and predicts outcome.

1a. Level of Consciousness

1b. LOC Questions (month/age — 2 questions)

1c. LOC Commands (open/close eyes; grip/release)

2. Best Gaze

3. Visual Fields

4. Facial Palsy

5a. Motor Arm — Left

5b. Motor Arm — Right

6a. Motor Leg — Left

6b. Motor Leg — Right

7. Limb Ataxia

8. Sensory

9. Best Language

10. Dysarthria

11. Extinction and Inattention

References

Brott T, et al. Measurements of acute cerebral infarction: a clinical examination scale. Stroke. 1989;20(7):864-870.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Same class

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against MDCalc, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.