NIH Stroke Scale Exam Questions With Complete Solutions

Level of consciousness - ANSWER-Must choose a response if full eval is prevented by obstacles (end tube, etc). 0-3 LOC questions - ANSWER-Pt is asked month and age. 0-2 LOC commands - ANSWER-PT is asked to open/close eyes, grip and release non-involved hand 0-2 Best gaze - ANSWER-Establish eye contact and move around, testing pt eye movement horizontally 0-2 Visual - ANSWER-Using finger counting or visual threat Visual fields tested by confrontation 0-3 (no visual loss, partial hemianopia, complete hemianopia, blindness) Facial Palsy - ANSWER-Ask pt to show teeth, or raise eyebrows and close eyes Score facial symmetry 0-3 (normal, minor paralysis, partial paralysis, complete) Motor Arm - ANSWER-Ext arms to 90 degrees if sitting or 45 degrees if supine. Score arm drift based on 10 seconds. Score on both arms 0-4 (no drift, drift, some effort against gravity, no effort against gravity, no movement)