NIH stroke scale (the basics) 1
NIH stroke scale (the basics)
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_dgyvo6
1. 1a LOC Assess basic state of wakefulness, awareness, or alertness.
2. 1b. LOC Question The Pt. is asked month and her/her age
3. 1.c LOC command The Pt. is asked to open/close eyes and grip and release the non-peretic hand.
4. 2. Best Gaze Horizontal eye movements. Use pen and ask Px to follow. Look for any deviations.
5. 3. Visual 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.
6. 4. Facial palsy Ask Pt. to show teeth or raise eyebrows and close eyes
7. 5. Motor arm The limb is placed in the appropriate position. Extend arms at 90 or 45 degrees.
Test both arms
8. 6. Motor leg The leg is raised at 30 degrees.
9. 7. Limb ataxia With eyes open, use finger-nose-finger and heel-shin tests on both sides.
10. 8. Sensory Sensation or grimace to pinprick.
11. 9. Best language Comprehension. Pt is asked to describe what is happening in a picture
12. 10. Dysarthria Pt. is asked to read a list of words. Check clarity of words spoken.
13. 11. Extinction & Ask Pt. to close eyes. Touch Pt. on left, right, or both. Pt. should be able to
Inattention distinguish.
1/1
9/18/2026
NIH stroke scale (the basics)
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_dgyvo6
1. 1a LOC Assess basic state of wakefulness, awareness, or alertness.
2. 1b. LOC Question The Pt. is asked month and her/her age
3. 1.c LOC command The Pt. is asked to open/close eyes and grip and release the non-peretic hand.
4. 2. Best Gaze Horizontal eye movements. Use pen and ask Px to follow. Look for any deviations.
5. 3. Visual 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.
6. 4. Facial palsy Ask Pt. to show teeth or raise eyebrows and close eyes
7. 5. Motor arm The limb is placed in the appropriate position. Extend arms at 90 or 45 degrees.
Test both arms
8. 6. Motor leg The leg is raised at 30 degrees.
9. 7. Limb ataxia With eyes open, use finger-nose-finger and heel-shin tests on both sides.
10. 8. Sensory Sensation or grimace to pinprick.
11. 9. Best language Comprehension. Pt is asked to describe what is happening in a picture
12. 10. Dysarthria Pt. is asked to read a list of words. Check clarity of words spoken.
13. 11. Extinction & Ask Pt. to close eyes. Touch Pt. on left, right, or both. Pt. should be able to
Inattention distinguish.
1/1
9/18/2026
