NIH stroke scale (the basics) Exam Questions and Answers Latest Update

1b. LOC Question - ANSWER-The Pt. is asked month and her/her age 1.c LOC command - ANSWER-The Pt. is asked to open/close eyes and grip and release the non-peretic hand. 2. Best Gaze - ANSWER-Horizontal eye movements. Use pen and ask Px to follow. Look for any deviations. 3. Visual - ANSWER-Visual fields tested in all quadrants by confrontation, using finger counting. Peripheral vision is tested. Cover eye and ask Pt how many fingers do they see. Test 4 quadrants. 4. Facial palsy - ANSWER-Ask Pt. to show teeth or raise eyebrows and close eyes 5. Motor arm - ANSWER-The limb is placed in the appropriate position. Extend arms at 90 or 45 degrees. Test both arms 6. Motor leg - ANSWER-The leg is raised at 30 degrees. 7. Limb ataxia - ANSWER-With eyes open, use finger-nose-finger and heel-shin tests on both sides. 8. Sensory - ANSWER-Sensation or grimace to pinprick. 9. Best language - ANSWER-Comprehension. Pt is asked to describe what is happening in a picture 10. Dysarthria - ANSWER-Pt. is asked to read a list of words. Check clarity of words spoken. 11. Extinction & Inattention - ANSWER-Ask Pt. to close eyes. Touch Pt. on left, right, or both. Pt. should be able to distinguish.