What is the Modified Rankin Scale?

The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is a 7-point ordinal scale (0–6) that measures the degree of disability or dependence in daily activities in people who have suffered a stroke or other neurological condition. A score of 0 indicates no symptoms, while 6 indicates death. It is the primary outcome measure in most major stroke trials.

What mRS score is considered a "good" outcome after stroke?

A score of 0–2 is conventionally defined as a "favorable" or "good" functional outcome, representing functional independence. A score of 0–1 is considered an "excellent" outcome. Most major stroke trials (e.g., MR CLEAN, DAWN, DEFUSE-3) use mRS 0–2 at 90 days as the primary endpoint.

How is the mRS different from the Barthel Index?

The Barthel Index scores specific activities of daily living (eating, bathing, dressing, etc.) and produces a continuous score from 0 to 100. The mRS is a global disability scale based on overall functional independence and ambulation, scored 0–6. Both are widely used in stroke research; the mRS is preferred for its simplicity and global nature, while the Barthel Index provides more granular ADL information.

Can the mRS be assessed by telephone or structured interview?

Yes. The structured interview version (sI-mRS) uses a series of standardized yes/no questions to guide the assessor to the correct grade. Studies have shown that telephone-administered mRS using structured interviews has good agreement with in-person assessment, making it practical for remote or follow-up evaluations.

What is the pre-stroke mRS and why does it matter?

The pre-stroke (or premorbid) mRS reflects the patient's functional status before the stroke occurred. Most stroke trials require a pre-stroke mRS of 0 or 1 as an inclusion criterion to exclude patients with pre-existing disability. Knowing the pre-stroke mRS is essential for interpreting post-stroke outcomes and setting realistic recovery goals.

Is this tool a substitute for clinical assessment?

No. This tool is for educational purposes only. The mRS requires direct patient interaction, clinical judgment, and knowledge of the patient's history. It must be administered by a trained clinician. This calculator cannot replace a formal, in-person neurological assessment.

Modified Rankin Scale

Name: Modified Rankin Scale
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Select the mRS grade (0–6) that best describes the patient's functional status after stroke and receive a clinical interpretation with prognosis context.

Select mRS Grade

Choose the grade that best describes the patient's current functional status.

0 No symptoms Completely asymptomatic; no disability. 1 No significant disability Some symptoms but able to carry out all usual activities and duties. 2 Slight disability Unable to carry out all previous activities but able to look after own affairs without assistance. 3 Moderate disability Requires some help but able to walk without assistance. 4 Moderately severe disability Unable to walk unassisted and unable to attend to own bodily needs without assistance. 5 Severe disability Bedridden, incontinent; requires constant nursing care and attention. 6 Dead Patient has died.

Simplified Questionnaire

Answer these questions in order to help determine the correct grade.

Q1. Does the patient have any symptoms attributable to the stroke? No → Grade 0. Yes → continue.
Q2. Can the patient carry out all usual activities and duties despite symptoms? Yes → Grade 1. No → continue.
Q3. Can the patient look after own affairs without assistance? Yes → Grade 2. No → continue.
Q4. Can the patient walk without assistance (no aid from another person)? Yes → Grade 3. No → continue.
Q5. Is the patient bedridden and requires constant nursing care? No → Grade 4. Yes → Grade 5 (if alive).

Select a grade on the left

Clinical interpretation will appear here.

Educational use only. This tool is not a substitute for clinical assessment. The Modified Rankin Scale must be administered by a trained clinician with direct patient evaluation. Scores should always be interpreted in the context of a full clinical history, neurological examination, and individual patient factors.

Summary

Select the mRS grade (0–6) that best describes the patient's functional status after stroke and receive a clinical interpretation with prognosis context.

How it works

Review the 7 mRS grades and their descriptions listed on the scale.
Select the radio button corresponding to the grade that best describes the patient's current level of disability.
Use the simplified questionnaire prompts to help differentiate adjacent grades if needed.
The result panel displays the selected grade, its clinical label, interpretation, and typical prognosis context.
Scores are not stored or transmitted — assessment is entirely client-side.

Use cases

Record 90-day functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients after thrombolysis or thrombectomy.
Document disability at hospital discharge as part of a stroke registry or quality metric.
Determine eligibility for clinical trial enrollment based on pre-stroke or baseline mRS.
Assess long-term disability in TIA or minor stroke follow-up clinics.
Communicate prognosis to patients and families using a standardized, internationally recognized scale.
Track functional recovery across serial assessments during stroke rehabilitation.
Compare outcomes across stroke treatment arms in observational and interventional studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-05-23 · Reviewed by Nham Vu