2026 APEX NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) – All Test Groups A–F: Complete Exam Answer Keys for Patients 1–6 | Latest 2026/2027 Edition

2026 APEX NIH STROKE SCALE (NIHSS) – ALL
TEST GROUPS A–F

Complete Exam Answer Keys for Patients 1–6
| Latest 2026/2027 Edition



EXAM OVERVIEW
The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification exam
consists of 6 patient scenarios per test group
(A–F) , scored across 15 items (1a–11) . Each
group presents unique neurological deficits,
testing your ability to differentiate key findings
like aphasia vs. dysarthria, ataxia vs.
weakness, and neglect.

Scoring
Item Assessment Area
Range

1a Level of Consciousness (LOC) 0–3
1b LOC Questions (Month, Age) 0–2

, Scoring
Item Assessment Area
Range

1c LOC Commands (Blink, Squeeze) 0–2

Best Gaze (Horizontal Eye
2 0–2
Movement)

3 Visual Fields 0–3

4 Facial Palsy 0–3

5a Motor Arm (Left) 0–4

5b Motor Arm (Right) 0–4

6a Motor Leg (Left) 0–4

6b Motor Leg (Right) 0–4

7 Limb Ataxia 0–2

8 Sensory 0–2

9 Best Language (Aphasia) 0–3
10 Dysarthria 0–2

, Scoring
Item Assessment Area
Range
11 Extinction/Inattention (Neglect) 0–2

Maximum Total Score: 42 (higherscore=more
severestroke).



SCORINGSEVERITY CLASSIFICATION

Score Range Severity

0 Nostrokesymptoms

1–4 Minor stroke

5–15 Moderatestroke

16–20 Moderatetosevere
21–42 Severestroke