NIH Stroke Scale Latest Questions and Correct Answers 2024

Score for large strokes - > 10 (however, if it is a brainstem stroke it can have a low score and still be a large stroke) Lowest score Highest score - Lowest score is 0 Highest score is 42 Components of *Eyes* - Gaze - voluntary gaze direction (non-comatose) - vestibule-ocular reflex (comatose) Visual fields - confrontation, all 4 quadrants (non-comatose) - threat (comatose) Components of *LOC* - Arousal Questions - name - month Commands - open eyes - grip/release Components of *Face* - Facial droop - smile & eyebrow raise (normal LOC / drowsy) - grimace w/ pain (obtunded) Components of *Motor Strength* - Arm strength - raise arms 45° (supine) - raise arms 90° (sitting) Leg strength - raise legs 30° (always test supine) Components of *Limb Ataxia* - Finger→nose & Heel→shin Components of *Sensory* - Pinprick - all 4 limbs; up to elbow Components of *Language* - Aphasia - describe picture; name objects (w/ adequate vision) - describe large objects in room or ask questions (w/ inadequate vision) Components of *Dysarthria* - Character of speech - read sentences / words (w/ adequate vision) - repeat "methodist episcopal" (w/ inadequate vision) - listen for slurred, garbled, incoherent Components of *Extinction/Inattention* - Vision extinction: - look at wiggling hand