NIHSS
Also written as: NIHSS — National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; a standardized assessment tool for quantifying stroke severity.
Full Definition
The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a systematic assessment tool used to evaluate the severity of stroke symptoms. It consists of 11 items that assess level of consciousness, gaze, visual fields, facial palsy, motor function, ataxia, sensory function, language, speech, and extinction/neglect. Scores range from 0 (no stroke symptoms) to 42 (severe stroke). In neurocritical care, NIHSS scores are used to guide treatment decisions, monitor patient progress, and predict outcomes. The scale is particularly important for determining thrombolytic therapy eligibility and tracking recovery.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify baseline vs current score; essential for stroke care documentation.
In Context
- "Admission NIHSS was 18, indicating severe stroke requiring immediate intervention." — Emergency assessment
- "NIHSS improved from 12 to 4 following mechanical thrombectomy." — Post-procedure note