NIH STROKE SCALE GROUP D EXAM 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

NIH STROKE SCALE GROUP D EXAM 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

◉ Lowest score


Highest score. Answer: Lowest score is 0


Highest score is 42


◉ Components of *Eyes*. Answer: Gaze
- voluntary gaze direction (non-comatose)
- vestibule-ocular reflex (comatose)


Visual fields
- confrontation, all 4 quadrants (non-comatose)
- threat (comatose)


◉ Components of *LOC*. Answer: Arousal


Questions
- name

,- month


Commands
- open eyes
- grip/release


◉ Components of *Face*. Answer: Facial droop
- smile & eyebrow raise (normal LOC / drowsy)
- grimace w/ pain (obtunded)


◉ Components of *Motor Strength*. Answer: Arm strength
- raise arms 45° (supine)
- raise arms 90° (sitting)


Leg strength
- raise legs 30° (always test supine)


◉ Components of *Limb Ataxia*. Answer: Finger→nose & Heel→shin


◉ Components of *Sensory*. Answer: Pinprick
- all 4 limbs; up to elbow

, ◉ Components of *Language*. Answer: Aphasia
- describe picture; name objects (w/ adequate vision)
- describe large objects in room or ask questions (w/ inadequate
vision)


◉ Components of *Dysarthria*. Answer: Character of speech
- read sentences / words (w/ adequate vision)
- repeat "methodist episcopal" (w/ inadequate vision)
- listen for slurred, garbled, incoherent


◉ Components of *Extinction/Inattention*. Answer: Vision
extinction:
- look at wiggling hand


Sensory test
- upper & lower extensors


◉ Special Cases. Answer: Unconscious patients will have a high
score; does *NOT* mean they had a stroke


NIH stroke scale is heavily weighted for *aphasic left hemisphere
MCA* stroke. Brainstem stroke could have a low score and have a
serious stroke.