The NIH Stroke Scale is used by healthcare providers to objectively measure impairment from stroke. It is important for nurses to be trained to perform the scale according to guidelines to establish baselines and monitor patient progress. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, with nearly 800,000 new or recurrent strokes occurring each year. Patients are at higher risk of recurrent stroke if older or with complex cases, so the NIH Stroke Scale allows nurses to properly assess these at-risk patients.