The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

Pediatric NIH Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS)

Quantifies neurologic deficit in children with acute stroke.

Pediatric NIH Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS)
1a. Level of consciousness
1b. LOC questions (age/month)
1c. LOC commands
2. Best gaze
3. Visual fields
4. Facial palsy
5a. Left arm motor
5b. Right arm motor
6a. Left leg motor
6b. Right leg motor
7. Limb ataxia
8. Sensory
9. Best language
10. Dysarthria
11. Extinction / inattention
Result0 points

Consistent with no stroke symptoms (range 0–42).

When to use

  • Serial quantification of stroke severity in children roughly 2 years and older.

Formula

Sum of 15 items scored as in the adult NIHSS, adapted for developmental level. Range 0–42.

References

  1. Ichord RN, et al. Stroke. 2011;42(3):613-7.