How many positive findings mean stroke?

Any one positive finding on Cincinnati has ~72% probability of stroke. Two or three positive raises the probability further and should trigger a stroke alert to the receiving hospital.

Does Cincinnati detect large-vessel occlusion?

Not reliably. Layer an LVO screen such as LAMS or RACE on top of Cincinnati when your system supports thrombectomy destinations.

What's the most important data point besides the exam?

Last-known-well time. Thrombolytic and thrombectomy eligibility depend on it — always ask a witness and document the time precisely.

Free tool

Cincinnati stroke scale.

Three checks. Under a minute. One positive = stroke alert.

Facial droop'Show me your teeth' — asymmetry when smiling.Arm driftBoth arms out, eyes closed, 10 seconds — one drifts down.Slurred speechRepeat a phrase — slurred, wrong words, or unable.

Result

0/3

Negative

Consider stroke mimics: hypoglycemia, seizure, Bell's palsy, migraine. If clinically suspicious, transport anyway.

Next steps if positive

Last-known-well time — ask witnesses, document exactly
Fingerstick glucose (hypoglycemia mimics stroke)
Notify a stroke-capable hospital early
Consider an LVO screen (LAMS or RACE) for thrombectomy routing
Keep the head of bed flat unless airway compromise

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Frequently asked

How many positive findings mean stroke?: Any one positive finding on Cincinnati has ~72% probability of stroke. Two or three positive raises the probability further and should trigger a stroke alert to the receiving hospital.
Does Cincinnati detect large-vessel occlusion?: Not reliably. Layer an LVO screen such as LAMS or RACE on top of Cincinnati when your system supports thrombectomy destinations.
What's the most important data point besides the exam?: Last-known-well time. Thrombolytic and thrombectomy eligibility depend on it — always ask a witness and document the time precisely.

For educational and exam-preparation use only. Not medical advice.