Modified Rankin scale

The modified Rankin scale is commonly used to quantify functional outcome in individuals who suffer a neurological event. The scale was initially described by Rankin in 1957 to assess the outcome of cerebrovascular accidents . It has subsequently been modified and has been used in a wide variety of clinical contexts (e.g. stroke, glioma and traumatic brain injury).

The scale comprises six levels, from 0 to 5, of increasingly severe disability where 0-2 is generally considered a good outcome with individuals assuming complete functional independence. A modified Rankin score of 6 is often used to denote an individual who is deceased.

Scale description

• 0: no symptoms/normal
• 1: no significant disability despite symptoms; able to carry out all usual duties and activities
• 2: slight disability; unable to carry out all previous activities, but able to look after own affairs without assistance
• 3: moderate disability; requiring some help, but able to walk without assistance
• 4: moderately severe disability; unable to walk without assistance and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance
• 5: severe disability; bedridden, incontinent and requiring constant nursing care and attention
• 6: dead