This exam evaluates mastery of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) using
APEX-style Group A patient vignettes (Patients 1–6). Questions emphasize scoring accuracy,
pathophysiologic understanding, correct interpretation of patient responses, assessment
sequence, and clinical decisionmaking. Candidates must demonstrate detailed proficiency in
evaluating level of consciousness, gaze, visual fields, facial palsy, motor strength, limb ataxia,
sensory deficits, language, dysarthria, and extinction/inattention. The test reflects realworld
stroke scenarios requiring precision, clinical reasoning, and consistent scoring methodology.
QUESTION: APEX NIH Stroke Scale – Group A
Patient 1
ANSWER –
1a – 0
1b – 0
1c – 0
2–0
3–0
4–1
5a – 3
5b – 0
6a – 1
6b – 0
7–1
8–2
9–0
10 – 0
11 – 1
Rationale:
Patient 1 demonstrates severe left arm weakness (5a = 3), mild left leg weakness (6a = 1), limb
ataxia (7 = 1), sensory loss (8 = 2), facial palsy (4 = 1), and extinction/inattention (11 = 1). All
other domains are intact, indicating a focal neurologic deficit consistent with a right hemispheric
stroke.
QUESTION: APEX NIH Stroke Scale – Group A
Patient 2
,ANSWER –
1a – 0
1b – 2
1c – 0
2–0
3–0
4–1
5a – 0
5b – 0
6a – 0
6b – 0
7–0
8–1
9–2
10 – 1
11 – 0
Rationale:
Patient 2 shows impaired level of consciousness questions (1b = 2), facial weakness (4 = 1), mild
sensory loss (8 = 1), aphasia (9 = 2), and dysarthria (10 = 1). Motor strength and visual fields are
preserved, suggesting a dominant-hemisphere cortical stroke affecting language centers.
QUESTION: APEX NIH Stroke Scale – Group A
Patient 3
ANSWER –
1a – 0
1b – 0
1c – 0
2–0
3–0
4–1
5a – 0
5b – 0
6a – 2
6b – 2
7–0
8–1
9–0
10 – 1
11 – 0
Rationale:
Patient 3 has bilateral lower extremity weakness (6a and 6b = 2), mild facial palsy (4 = 1),
, sensory deficit (8 = 1), and dysarthria (10 = 1). Upper extremity strength, language, vision, and
attention are intact, suggesting involvement of motor pathways affecting both legs.
QUESTION: APEX NIH Stroke Scale – Group A
Patient 4
ANSWER –
1a – 0
1b – 0
1c – 0
2–0
3–0
4–1
5a – 0
5b – 0
6a – 0
6b – 0
7–0
8–1
9–0
10 – 0
11 – 0
Rationale:
Patient 4 shows only mild facial palsy (4 = 1) and mild sensory loss (8 = 1). All other neurologic
functions are normal, indicating a very mild stroke with limited focal deficits.
QUESTION: APEX NIH Stroke Scale – Group A
Patient 5
ANSWER –
1a – 0
1b – 1
1c – 0
2–0
3–2
4–2
5a – 4
5b – 0
6a – 1
6b – 0
7–1