Which standard is used to measure neurological functional improvement over time?

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is specifically designed to evaluate and quantify the severity of stroke symptoms in patients. It consists of a series of items that assess various neurological functions, including consciousness, vision, sensation, movement, speech, and language abilities. The scale is widely used in clinical settings to assess the initial severity of a stroke and to monitor changes over time, making it an effective tool for measuring neurological functional improvement in stroke patients.

The value of the NIHSS lies in its ability to provide an objective and quantifiable assessment of a patient's neurological status, allowing healthcare providers to track recovery progress and make informed decisions about treatment and rehabilitation. This ongoing evaluation helps clinicians to understand the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and to adjust care plans as needed.

In comparison, the other options have different purposes: the Fugl-Meyer Assessment is focused more on motor function and rehabilitation outcomes, the Modified Rankin Scale assesses the degree of disability or dependency in daily activities over time rather than specific neurological functions, and the Glasgow Coma Scale primarily gauges the level of consciousness in acute settings rather than tracking long-term neurological improvement.