APEX NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Group A –
Complete Patient Records 1 through 6 with Total
Scores, Severity Classification, and Detailed
Descriptors | Updated Spring 2026
Scoring Key for Severity Classification
0 = Normal / No deficit
1–4 = Minor deficit
5–15 = Moderate deficit
16–20 = Moderate to severe deficit
21–42 = Severe deficit
Patient 1
1a: 0 – Alert
1b: 0 – Answers both correctly
1c: 0 – Performs both tasks correctly
2: 0 – Normal gaze
3: 0 – No visual loss
4: 1 – Minor paralysis
5a: 3 – Some effort against gravity; limb cannot get to or maintain position (left arm)
5b: 0 – No drift (right arm)
6a: 1 – Drift, does not hit bed (left leg)
6b: 0 – No drift (right leg)
7: 1 – Ataxia present in one limb
8: 2 – Severe or total sensory loss
9: 0 – No aphasia
10: 0 – Normal articulation
11: 1 – Inattention to one sensory modality
Total Score: 9 – Moderate deficit
pg. 1
Complete Patient Records 1 through 6 with Total
Scores, Severity Classification, and Detailed
Descriptors | Updated Spring 2026
Scoring Key for Severity Classification
0 = Normal / No deficit
1–4 = Minor deficit
5–15 = Moderate deficit
16–20 = Moderate to severe deficit
21–42 = Severe deficit
Patient 1
1a: 0 – Alert
1b: 0 – Answers both correctly
1c: 0 – Performs both tasks correctly
2: 0 – Normal gaze
3: 0 – No visual loss
4: 1 – Minor paralysis
5a: 3 – Some effort against gravity; limb cannot get to or maintain position (left arm)
5b: 0 – No drift (right arm)
6a: 1 – Drift, does not hit bed (left leg)
6b: 0 – No drift (right leg)
7: 1 – Ataxia present in one limb
8: 2 – Severe or total sensory loss
9: 0 – No aphasia
10: 0 – Normal articulation
11: 1 – Inattention to one sensory modality
Total Score: 9 – Moderate deficit
pg. 1
