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NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Calculate the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) to quantify acute stroke neurologic deficit across 11 categories (15 scored items, with left & right limb motor graded separately). Items: 1a Level of consciousness (0–3), 1b LOC questions (0–2), 1c LOC commands (0–2), 2 Best gaze (0–2), 3 Visual fields (0–3), 4 Facial palsy (0–3), 5a/5b Motor arm left/right (0–4 each), 6a/6b Motor leg left/right (0–4 each), 7 Limb ataxia (0–2), 8 Sensory (0–2), 9 Best language (0–3), 10 Dysarthria (0–2), 11 Extinction/inattention (0–2). Both left and right limb motor scores are summed into the total (standard NIHSS); the tool also reports the more-affected side (max of left/right) for clinical context. Range 0–42; higher = more severe. Interpretation: 0 no symptoms, 1–4 minor, 5–15 moderate, 16–20 moderate-to-severe, 21–42 severe. Derived from Brott et al. 1989 (Stroke) and NINDS instructions. Scoring reliability is examiner-dependent and should be performed by trained personnel. Not medical advice.