Pediatric NIHSS

Name: Pediatric NIHSS
Creator: Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD
Keywords: PedNIHSS, pediatric NIHSS, NIH Stroke Scale, stroke, pediatric stroke, arterial ischemic stroke, neurological deficit, thrombolysis, tPA

Pediatric NIH Stroke Scale for quantifying neurological deficit severity in pediatric stroke

Clinically Verified· 5 tests

For educational and informational purposes only. Verify all results before clinical application.

1a. Level of Consciousness *

1b. LOC Questions *

Age-appropriate: Ask month and age (or name and age for younger children)

1c. LOC Commands *

2. Best Gaze *

3. Visual Fields *

4. Facial Palsy *

5. Motor Arm (worst side) *

Score the worst side; test arm drift at 90° sitting or 45° supine

6. Motor Leg (worst side) *

Score the worst side; test leg drift at 30° supine

7. Limb Ataxia *

8. Sensory *

9. Best Language *

Modified for developmental age; consider prelingual children

References

Ichord RN, Bastian R, Abraham L, et al. Interrater reliability of the Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) in a multicenter study. Stroke. 2011;42(3):613-617.[DOI]
Kitchen L, Westmacott R, Friefeld S, et al. The Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure: A validation and reliability study. Stroke. 2012;43(6):1602-1608.[DOI]

Reviewed by Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD · Last updated March 2026

Medical disclaimer

This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment. Always independently verify results before making clinical decisions.

Professional Resources — Tools used by pediatricians for neurological assessment

Pediatric Neurology HandbookClinical reference for pediatric neurological conditions~$75via Amazon