NIH Stroke Scale Questions & Answers (Graded A)

Level of Consciousness (LOC) - ANSWER--General alertness -Includes Questions and Commands LOC Questions - ANSWER--What is the month? -How old are you? LOC Commands - ANSWER-Pt is asked to: -Open/close eyes -Grip then release non-paretic hand Best Gaze - ANSWER--Have pt follow moving objects side to side -Only horizontal movements are tested Visual - ANSWER--Visual fields are tested by confrontation -Includes upper and lower quadrants -Identify when they see your hand move by pointing to the hand that is moving Facial Palsy - ANSWER--Ask pt to show teeth or raise eyebrows and close eyes -"smile" -Look for facial droop Motor Arm - ANSWER--Limb is placed in appropriate position (extend arms in pronation to 90 degrees (sitting) or 45 degrees (laying) -Look for drift of arm