Prospective study to assess national institutes of health stroke scale as predictor of functional outcome in stroke patients in Benin City

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and predicting functional outcome early at presentation would guide treatment and rehabilitation plans. The aim of this study was to assess baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score as predictor of functional outcome.

Methods: Ninety consecutive patients with stroke were evaluated at presentation. The patient's demographics, clinical features, risk factors for stroke and NIHSS were tested as potential predictors of functional outcome in a multiple regression analysis. The Barthel index was used to measure functional outcome at 28 days.

Results: Significant predictors on univariate analysis were; age, gender, random blood glucose on admission, atrial fibrillation, mean packed cell volume, stroke type and NIHSS score. On multivariate regression analysis the NIHSS score was the only independent predictor of functional outcome (B=,P<0.05).

Conclusion: NIHSS score is an important predictor of functional outcome and should be utilized in stroke care.

Keyowrds: UME, Post-UME-Screening test, MBBS, Medical Students