NIHSS Neurological 3

Question 1

What maximum total NIHSS score indicates a very severe stroke?

Accepted Answer

42

Answer

The maximum possible NIHSS score is 42, representing the most severe neurological deficits.

Question 2

During NIHSS Item 1c (Level of Consciousness Commands), the patient blinks when asked to close eyes but cannot grip. How is this scored?

Accepted Answer

1

Answer

Score 1 is given when the patient performs only one of the two commands correctly.

Question 3

Which NIHSS item evaluates dysarthria separately from aphasia?

Accepted Answer

Item 9

Answer

Item 9 specifically assesses dysarthria by asking the patient to read or repeat words.

Question 4

A patient with a brainstem stroke has bilateral limb ataxia. How does this affect NIHSS Item 7 scoring?

Accepted Answer

Each side is scored separately up to 2

Answer

Item 7 scores limb ataxia on each side (0–1 each), with a maximum of 2 for bilateral ataxia.

Question 5

In NIHSS testing, what does a score of 3 on Item 9 (Dysarthria) indicate?

Accepted Answer

Mute or anarthric

Answer

Score 3 on dysarthria is assigned when the patient is mute or intubated and cannot be tested.

NIHSS - National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Practice Test