NIH Stroke Scale Assessment Form

Submit the completed NIH Stroke Scale form through one of the following methods: email to strokeassessments@hospital.org, fax to 123-456-7890, or upload via the hospital's online submission portal at www.hospital.org/submit-stroke-scale. Ensure all patient identification details are accurately filled out, and follow the specific submission guidelines provided by your institution to avoid any delays or errors in the assessment process. Make sure to verify receipt of your form with the respective department.

Important dates for this form will vary based on patient treatment intervals such as baseline, 2 hours post-treatment, 24 hours post-onset, 7-10 days, and 3 months. It's crucial to adhere to these timelines for accurate assessment.

The purpose of the NIH Stroke Scale form is to provide healthcare professionals with a standardized method for assessing the severity of stroke symptoms in patients. This detailed, itemized form ensures accurate and consistent evaluation of patients' neurological functions, aiding in treatment decisions and monitoring recovery progress. Additionally, the form is a crucial component of stroke research, contributing to a better understanding of stroke outcomes and improving patient care. By using the NIH Stroke Scale form, medical professionals can systematically document and monitor the impact of interventions and rehabilitation efforts, facilitating timely adjustments to treatment plans. The uniformity in assessment provided by this form also enhances communication among healthcare teams, ensuring that all members are on the same page regarding a patient's condition. In summary, the NIH Stroke Scale form is an indispensable tool in both clinical and research settings, providing a reliable method for gauging the extent of stroke-related impairments and guiding patient care.

• 1. Patient Identification: Includes patient name, date of birth, hospital name, and date of exam.
• 2. Level of Consciousness: Evaluates the patient's alertness and responsiveness.
• 3. LOC Questions: Tests the patient's ability to answer basic questions about time and age.
• 4. LOC Commands: Assesses the patient's ability to follow simple commands.
• 5. Best Gaze: Examines horizontal eye movements and any deviations.
• 6. Visual: Checks for visual field deficits using confrontation methods.
• 7. Facial Palsy: Assesses facial movements and symmetry.
• 8. Motor Arm: Tests arm movement and strength by holding positions.
• 9. Motor Leg: Assesses leg movement and strength by holding positions.
• 10. Limb Ataxia: Identifies evidence of unilateral cerebellar lesions.
• 11. Sensory: Evaluates sensation and response to pinprick or noxious stimuli.
• 12. Best Language: Examines the patient's ability to comprehend and express language.
• 13. Dysarthria: Assesses the clarity of the patient's speech and articulation.

Failing to submit this form may result in an incomplete assessment of the patient's stroke condition, potentially impacting treatment decisions.

• Incomplete Assessment: Key information about the patient's neurological status may be missing.
• Delayed Treatment: Failure to submit could cause delays in appropriate medical intervention.
• Inaccurate Monitoring: Lack of documented changes in patient condition could affect recovery tracking.
• Research Impact: Inconsistent data collection may affect stroke-related research outcomes.
• Legal Implications: Missing documentation could have legal repercussions in medical practice.

• 1. Initial Assessment: Evaluate the patient at baseline to determine the severity of the stroke.
• 2. Post-Treatment Monitoring: Use at various intervals post-treatment to track patient recovery.
• 3. Symptom Progression: Document changes in symptoms over time for ongoing assessment.
• 4. Clinical Research: Collect standardized data for studies on stroke outcomes.
• 5. Medical Training: Educate medical students and trainees on stroke assessment techniques.