Nih Stroke Scale Calculator

Formula

NIHSS Total = Sum of all 15 item scores (Range: 0-42)

Each of the 15 items is scored on an ordinal scale. Items include level of consciousness (3 sub-items), best gaze, visual fields, facial palsy, motor arm (left and right), motor leg (left and right), limb ataxia, sensory, best language, dysarthria, and extinction/inattention.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Moderate Acute Ischemic Stroke

Problem: A 68-year-old patient presents with right-sided weakness, slurred speech, and mild facial droop 2 hours after symptom onset. Score: LOC=0, Questions=1, Commands=0, Gaze=0, Visual=0, Facial=1, Left Arm=0, Right Arm=3, Left Leg=0, Right Leg=3, Ataxia=0, Sensory=1, Language=1, Dysarthria=1, Extinction=0.

Solution: Total NIHSS = 0+1+0+0+0+1+0+3+0+3+0+1+1+1+0 = 11\nSeverity: Moderate Stroke (5-15)\nMotor subscore: 0+3+0+3 = 6 (right-sided weakness)\nCognitive subscore: 0+1+0+1 = 2 (mild language/LOC deficit)

Result: NIHSS Score: 11 (Moderate) - Strong candidate for IV tPA within 4.5-hour window

Example 2: Severe Left MCA Stroke

Problem: A 72-year-old presents with global aphasia, right hemiplegia, and forced eye deviation. Score: LOC=1, Questions=2, Commands=2, Gaze=2, Visual=2, Facial=3, Left Arm=0, Right Arm=4, Left Leg=0, Right Leg=4, Ataxia=0, Sensory=2, Language=3, Dysarthria=2, Extinction=2.

Solution: Total NIHSS = 1+2+2+2+2+3+0+4+0+4+0+2+3+2+2 = 29\nSeverity: Very Severe Stroke (>25)\nMotor subscore: 0+4+0+4 = 8 (complete right hemiplegia)\nCognitive subscore: 1+2+2+3 = 8 (severe cognitive impairment)

Result: NIHSS Score: 29 (Very Severe) - Emergency intervention, ICU admission, consider endovascular therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NIH Stroke Scale and how is it used clinically?

The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a standardized 15-item neurological examination tool used by healthcare providers to assess the severity of an acute ischemic stroke. Developed by the National Institutes of Health, it quantifies neurological deficits across multiple domains including level of consciousness, eye movements, visual fields, facial symmetry, motor strength, sensation, coordination, speech, and language comprehension. The scale ranges from 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating more severe neurological impairment. It is the most widely used stroke assessment tool in emergency departments worldwide and guides critical treatment decisions including eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.

Is my data stored or sent to a server?

No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data you enter is ever transmitted to any server or stored anywhere. Your inputs remain completely private.

How do I interpret the result?

Results are displayed with a label and unit to help you understand the output. Many calculators include a short explanation or classification below the result (for example, a BMI category or risk level). Refer to the worked examples section on this page for real-world context.

Is Nih Stroke Scale Calculator free to use?

Yes, completely free with no sign-up required. All calculators on NovaCalculator are free to use without registration, subscription, or payment.

Does Nih Stroke Scale Calculator work offline?

Once the page is loaded, the calculation logic runs entirely in your browser. If you have already opened the page, most calculators will continue to work even if your internet connection is lost, since no server requests are needed for computation.

Can I share or bookmark my calculation?

You can bookmark the calculator page in your browser. Many calculators also display a shareable result summary you can copy. The page URL stays the same so returning to it will bring you back to the same tool.