Assessment Tool: NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Score all 15 items in sequence. NIHSS certification training is strongly recommended for accurate administration. Document onset time and last known well when completing this assessment.
NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
A 15-item quantitative measure of stroke-related neurological deficit. Total score 0–42. Higher scores indicate greater severity. Developed by the National Institutes of Health; in the public domain. Certification training is strongly recommended for accurate administration.
NIHSS severity guide
0
No stroke
1–4
Minor
5–15
Moderate
16–20
Mod–severe
21–42
Severe
Result
NIHSS: 0/42
Severity: