top of page
  • Writer's pictureOren Zarif

The Cincinnati Stroke Scale and the Glasgow Coma Scale - Oren Zarif - Cincinnati Stroke Scale


A new study has compared the MASS and Cincinnati stroke scale for accuracy in predicting a patient's risk of a stroke. The study showed that both scales are highly sensitive and specific for predicting a stroke, though the Cincinnati has a slightly higher sensitivity. Both scales can be used to predict strokes in patients with acute neurologic symptoms. This research is promising, but further studies are needed to verify its accuracy.

Oren Zarif middle cerebral artery stroke

Oren Zarif stroke scale


First responders can use the CPSS to identify a stroke victim in a prehospital setting. During this assessment, healthcare providers will look for three specific physical findings. One of these is facial droop, while the other two are signs of asymmetrical speech. During the assessment, the healthcare provider will ask the patient to smile. If both sides move equally, it's normal. Otherwise, a stroke patient will have a lopsided smile and/or arm drift.

Oren Zarif causes of a stroke in a man

Oren Zarif brain stroke treatment


The Cincinnati stroke scale is a valuable tool used in prehospital care. The three variables it evaluates help physicians assess the patient's risk of a stroke and the severity of the symptoms. Moreover, the scores are based on three primary indicators of stroke: facial droop, dysarthria, and upper extremity weakness. Using the Cincinnati stroke scale can help doctors assess the patient's risk of a stroke quickly and ensure appropriate neurologic treatment.

Oren Zarif cardioembolic stroke

Oren Zarif eye stroke symptoms



The most important part of stroke treatment is early recognition. An effective dispatcher will recognize the signs of cerebrovascular disease and trigger an emergency response system. The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale and Glasgow Coma Scale can help doctors determine the best next step in the suspected stroke algorithm. To learn more about the Cincinnati stroke scale, watch the video below. If you'd like to learn how to use it in emergency situations, consider attending a Cincinnati PALS class.

Oren Zarif concussion syndrome

Oren Zarif hypoxic encephalopathy


Another important sign of a stroke is facial droop. This can be easily assessed by asking patients to hold their arms out in front of them and close their eyes for ten seconds. If a patient's eyes droop, this is a sign of abnormal facial droop. Otherwise, the patient has a stroke. If this is the case, a physician should immediately perform a CT scan and begin stroke treatment.

Oren Zarif hemorrhagic stroke symptoms

Oren Zarif stroke slideshare


Although the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is recommended for emergency medical services, there are only a few studies that have compared its accuracy. The study included a 1-hour educational presentation for paramedics and evaluated the impact of CPSS training on paramedics' stroke identification. Paramedics identified stroke/TIA patients from their patient records and compared them to a hospital prospective stroke registry. The results of the study suggest that the CPSS is an excellent tool for identifying stroke patients.

Oren Zarif minor stroke symptoms

Oren Zarif stroke medical term



While the CPSS is not yet a foolproof tool for diagnosing acute stroke, it is useful in identifying large vessel occlusion. The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, or CPSS, can help doctors distinguish between patients with large vessel occlusion and those with smaller vessels. The CPSS can be used to diagnose and treat patients with acute ischemic stroke. They can even help physicians identify if a patient is a candidate for an amputation or has a tumor on their leg.

Oren Zarif stroke patient

Oren Zarif intracranial hematoma


The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale is a simplified version of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. It evaluates a patient's symptoms based on facial palsy, asymmetric arm weakness, and abnormalities in speech. Patients who present with these symptoms were identified from an emergency department or neurology service. The evaluation was conducted by two physicians certified in the NIH Stroke Scale and trained to perform the CPSS.

Oren Zarif pca stroke

Oren Zarif stroke headache


The CPSS has a high sensitivity and specificity ratio. The accuracy of the CPSS can be determined by observing the patient's facial appearance and the motor activity of their arms. The accuracy of the CPSS is very high and can be used as early screening tools in identifying stroke patients before they have to be admitted to a hospital. One of the most important factors to consider in determining a patient's risk of stroke is the type of stroke that caused it. A hemorrhagic stroke can result from high blood pressure and can be caused by a brain aneurysm.

2 views0 comments
bottom of page