NIH Stroke Scale Calculator

NIH Stroke Scale Calculator for Neurology. A zero score does not exclude stroke. The tool records item totals, not treatment eligibility, infarct location, large-vessel occlusion or a personal outcome probability.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

This is an assessed-item score recorder. It sums all 15 numerical NIHSS entries, including separate left and right arm and leg scores, to a total from 0 to 42. Item assignment must come from the official examination; stimulus materials and certification content are not reproduced.

When to use this calculator

Recording an NIHSS examination performed by an appropriately trained assessor using the official NINDS instrument.

Inputs used

  • All 15 officially assessed NIHSS entries, including separate left/right arm and leg scores
  • Permitted UN status and its reason, when applicable

Clinical interpretation

A zero score does not exclude stroke. The tool records item totals, not treatment eligibility, infarct location, large-vessel occlusion or a personal outcome probability.

Worked example

The contributions 0,1,0,1,0,1,0,3,0,2,0,1,2,1,1 sum to 13. All numerical items at maximum sum to 42, not the former incorrect 34.

Limitations and safety notes

UN is offered only for the four motor entries and dysarthria under the official item rules, with a reason; any UN suppresses the local total rather than silently imputing a score. This conservative workflow does not replace the instrument's missing-data conventions in research.

Frequently asked questions

Does this provide the examination pictures or certification test?

No. Examiners use authorized original materials. This form records their assigned item scores and exposes laterality without recreating those materials.

What does this result leave unresolved?

UN is offered only for the four motor entries and dysarthria under the official item rules, with a reason; any UN suppresses the local total rather than silently imputing a score. This conservative workflow does not replace the instrument's missing-data conventions in research.

References

  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24798141/
  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5589005/
  • https://www.ninds.nih.gov/publications/publications-help
  • https://www.ninds.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/NIH-Stroke-Scale_updatedFeb2024_508.pdf

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 9, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

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