NIH stroke scale (the basics)

1a LOC - Answer- Assess basic state of wakefulness, awareness, or alertness. 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