NIH Stroke Scale Questions and

NIH Stroke Scale Questions and Answers Graded A+

How to assess Level of Consciousness? ✔✔1a. Deteremine if patient is alert, oriented x4

1b. The patient is asked the month and his/her age.The answer must be correct - there is no partial credit for being close. Aphasic and stuporous patients who do not comprehend the questions will score 2. It is important that only the initial answer be graded and that the examiner not "help" the patient with verbal or non-verbal cue.

1c. The patient is asked to open and close the eyes and then to grip and release the non-paretic hand. If the patient does not respond to command, the task should be demonstrated to him or her (pantomime), and the result scored (i.e., follows none, one or two commands)

What are the results? ✔✔0 = Alert; keenly responsive.

• = Not alert; but arousable by minor stimulation to obey,

answer, or respond. 1 / 2

• = Not alert; requires repeated stimulation to attend, or is obtunded and requires strong or

painful stimulation to make movements (not stereotyped).

• = Responds only with reflex motor or autonomic effects or totally unresponsive, flaccid, and

areflexic.

• = Answers both questions correctly.
• = Answers one question correctly.
• = Answers neither question correctly

• = Performs both tasks correctly.
• = Performs one task correctly.
• = Performs neither task correctly.

How to assess best gaze? ✔✔Only horizontal eye movements will be tested.Voluntary or reflexive (oculocephalic) eye movements will be scored, but caloric testing is not done. If the patient has a conjugate deviation of the eyes that can be overcome by voluntary or

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