Cerebrovascular health
This advanced educational program offers a new, updated virtual training option that will leave attendees feeling more confident in performing the NIHSS. Content includes basic neuroanatomy, history and significance of the NIHSS, and NIHSS steps 1-11 with instruction and tips on where to localize a stroke. This virtual course can be used for additional NIHSS training and potentially as part of a pathway for NIHSS certification.
Next steps to take the NIHSS Training Course:
- Download the 3 course resources below as they are helpful tools for you
- Click "View Resources"
- Create a log-in by clicking "New User Self Register"
- Search for "NIHSS" or "Stroke" to access the course
NIH Stroke Scale Worksheet
It is recommended that the NIHSS be performed initially and ongoing for all stroke patients. Although not perfect, the use of a standardized assessment and stroke scale helps quantify the degree of neurological deficits, facilitate communication, identify the location of the vessel occlusion, provide early prognosis, help select patients for various interventions, and identify the potential for complications. Healthcare team members should use tools (such as this resource) to help walk them through the 11 steps. It is recommended to complete the steps in the order listed, do not coach unless otherwise indicated, accept the patient’s first effort, score what the patient does and not what the clinician thinks they can do, score old deficits, follow direction for each exam technique, do not go back and change answers, and record answers while administering the exam. This resource, or a similar one from your own institution, will help ensure accuracy in exam performance and scoring.
NIH stroke scale with notes for comatose and intubated patients
Performing the NIHSS on an intubated and/or comatose patient can be challenging. BUT it can and should be done! This resource provides important exam tips and scoring notes the examiner should be aware of to perform the scale correctly in this unique patient population. Consider making this resource readily available on the stroke units.
NIHSS Presentation PDF slides
This NIHSS training course covers stroke basics, including types of strokes, brief anatomy overview, and treatment options; the what, why and when questions related to the NIHSS; and, finally, an in-depth instruction on each of the 11 steps of the exam. For each step, the course highlights how to best perform, pertinent comatose and intubated tips, tele-presenter considerations, and where to localize the stroke based on your findings. An objective of the course is to have the learner be more confident in exam understanding, techniques and scoring. This resource is a copy of the presentation slides for you to use if you’d like!