Stroke Impairment Assessment Set(SIAS). A new evaluation instrument for stroke patients.

Abstract

A new method for the evaluation of stroke patients, designated the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) is presented. The SIAS primarily employs single-task assessment of various functions and rates performance on scales of 0 to 5 or 0 to 3. The items evaluated include motor function, muscle tone, sensation, range of motion, pain, trunk control, visuospatial perception, aphasia and functions on the unaffected side. Scores for each item are plotted on a radar chart, so that deficits can be identified at a glance. The inter-observer variation in SIAS scores is acceptable and assessment can be performed as part of a routine clinical examination.