5 minutes
Eligibility for the NIH Stroke Scale includes: - Age 18 years or older - Ability to comprehend and follow commands - Ability to cooperate with the examiner
Level of Consciousness
LOC Questions
The patient is asked the month and his/her age.
LOC Commands
The patient is asked to open and close the eyes and then to grip and release the non-paretic hand.
Best Gaze
Only horizontal eye movements will be tested.
Visual
Visual fields (upper and lower quadrants) are tested by confrontation, using finger counting or visual threat, as appropriate.
Facial Palsy
Ask – or use pantomime to encourage – the patient to show teeth or raise eyebrows and close eyes.
Motor Arm (Right arm)
The limb is placed in the appropriate position: extend the arms (palms down) 90 degrees (if sitting) or 45 degrees (if supine).
Motor Arm (Left arm)
The limb is placed in the appropriate position: extend the arms (palms down) 90 degrees (if sitting) or 45 degrees (if supine).
Motor Leg (Right leg)
The limb is placed in the appropriate position: hold the leg at 30 degrees (always tested supine).
Motor Leg (Left leg)
The limb is placed in the appropriate position: hold the leg at 30 degrees (always tested supine).
Limb Ataxia
This item is aimed at finding evidence of a unilateral cerebellar lesion. Test with eyes open.
Sensory
Sensation or grimace to pinprick when tested.
Best Language
For this scale item, the patient is asked to describe what is happening in the attached picture, to name the items on the attached naming sheet and to read from the attached list of sentences.
Best Language
For this scale item, the patient is asked to describe what is happening in the attached picture, to name the items on the attached naming sheet and to read from the attached list of sentences.
Dysarthria
If patient is thought to be normal, an adequate sample of speech must be obtained by asking patient to read or repeat words.
Extinction and Inattention
Sufficient information to identify neglect may be obtained during the prior testing.