NIHSS Score and Arteriographic Findings in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Top Cited Papers
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background and Purpose— To test the hypothesis that the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score is associated with the findings of arteriography performed within the first hours after ischemic stroke. Methods— We analyzed NIHSS scores on hospital admission and clinical and arteriographic findings of 226 consecutive patients (94 women, 132 men; mean age 62±12 years) who underwent arteriography within 6 hours of symptom onset in carotid stroke and within 12 hours in vertebrobasilar stroke. Results— From stroke onset to hospital admission, 155±97 minutes elapsed, and from stroke onset to arteriography 245±100 minutes elapsed. Median NIHSS was 14 (range 3 to 38), and scores differed depending on the arteriographic findings ( P Conclusions— There is a significant association of NIHSS scores and the presence and location of a vessel occlusion. With an NIHSS score ≥10, a vessel occlusion will likely be seen on arteriography, and with a score ≥12, its location will probably be central.