What NIHSS threshold is used for tPA eligibility?

There is no absolute NIHSS cutoff for tPA. Patients with NIHSS ≥4 are generally eligible if other criteria are met. Very minor strokes (NIHSS 0–3) may be treated based on clinical judgment if deficits are disabling.

How does NIHSS relate to stroke lesion volume and outcome?

Each NIHSS point correlates with approximately 1 cm³ of infarct volume on DWI. Baseline NIHSS independently predicts 90-day mRS outcome — NIHSS ≤5 correlates with good recovery, NIHSS >20 with severe disability or death.

NIHSS Stroke Severity Score

Quantify stroke severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale across 11 domains including consciousness, gaze, visual fields, facial palsy, motor, and language.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What NIHSS threshold is used for tPA eligibility?

How does NIHSS relate to stroke lesion volume and outcome?