Hunt and Hess scale

The Hunt and Hess scale is used to classify the severity of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Description grade

1. Asymptomatic, mild headache, slight nuchal rigidity
2. Moderate to severe headache, nuchal rigidity, no neurologic deficit other than cranial nerve palsy
3. Drowsiness / confusion, mild focal neurologic deficit
4. Stupor, moderate-severe hemiparesis
5. Coma, decerebrate posturing

References

• Hunt WE, Hess RM. “Surgical risk as related to time of intervention in the repair of intracranial aneurysms.”
• Journal of Neurosurgery 1968 Jan;28(1):14-20.
• Hunt WE, Meagher JN, Hess RM. “Intracranial aneurysm. A nine-year study.”
• Ohio State Medical Journal 1966 Nov;62(11):1168-71.