What does a high score on the NIHSS indicate?

A high score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) indicates more severe neurological impairment due to stroke. This scale is used by healthcare professionals to assess the severity of a stroke and the degree of neurological deficit a patient may experience. Each item on the NIHSS evaluates different functions, including consciousness, language, movement, and sensory abilities. The total score, which can range from 0 to 42, reflects the extent of motor and cognitive impairment – a higher score correlates with greater neurological damage and, therefore, a more severe stroke.

High scores on the NIHSS are associated with increased risk for complications and poorer outcomes, which underscores the importance of timely and effective interventions following a stroke. Understanding the NIHSS score aids in guiding treatment decisions, predicting recovery potential, and informing patients and families about the severity of the condition.