Updated Spring 2025 | Educational Use Only
Overview of NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
The NIH Stroke Scale objectively measures stroke-related neurologic deficits.
It evaluates 11 domains of function and provides a numeric score (0–42).
Lower scores = less impairment; higher scores = more severe stroke.
ITEM DOMAIN ASSESSED SCORING RANGE
1A Level of consciousness (LOC) 0–3
1B LOC Questions 0–2
1C LOC Commands 0–2
2 Best Gaze 0–2
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 Language 0–3
10 Dysarthria 0–2
11 Extinction and Inattention (Neglect) 0–2
Group E – Six Case Simulations (Training Set)
(Simulated practice only; not real patient cases)
Each “Patient” example mirrors NIHSS Group E training logic.
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