Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1546192
National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS): This tool is used by health care providers to objectively quantify the impairment caused by a stroke. The scale is composed of 11 items, each of which scores a specific ability between a zero and four. For each item, a score of zero typically indicates normal function in the specific ability, while a higher score is indicative of some level of impairment. The individual scores from each item are summed in order to calculate a patient's total NIHSS score. The maximum score is 42, with the minimum score being zero. Abilities tested include level of consciousness, eye movement, visual field, facial paralysis, motor strength, coordination, sensory, language, speech production, extinction and inattention. The NIHSS is an excellent predictor of the patient's likelihood of a good recovery. The assessment requires less than 10 minutes to complete. Swallow evaluation: After a stroke, some patients experience difficulty with swallowing, placing them at risk for choking or aspiration of food or fluid into their lungs. This can lead to complications of a lung infection called pneumonia. For these reasons, a speech therapist or a trained registered nurse will complete a bedside swallow evaluation prior to taking anything by mouth to verify the patient's ability to safely swallow. 17