When should the NIHSS be conducted for stroke alert patients?

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a critical tool used to assess the severity of stroke symptoms at the time of presentation. Conducting the NIHSS within 15 minutes for stroke alert patients is essential because it supports the rapid identification of stroke severity, which can guide urgent therapeutic decisions. Timely assessment helps healthcare providers determine the appropriate course of action, including the eligibility for clot-busting drugs (thrombolytics) or other interventions that are time-sensitive.

The urgency of completing the NIHSS within a 15-minute window is crucial in the acute setting, as prompt treatment can significantly impact patient outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term disability. By adhering to this timeline, medical teams ensure they maximize the window of opportunity for effective interventions.

The other time frames, such as conducting the NIHSS within 30 minutes or after 1 hour or 2 hours, do not align with the recommended practice standards for timely stroke care. These longer intervals could delay critical treatment and adversely affect patient prognosis.