Modified Rankin Scale (mRS)

Description

The Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is a global assessment instrument used to document the functional status of a person following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA/stroke). It is an observational measure in which patients are classified according to their level of functional status and disability.

The original scale is attributed to John Rankin (1957). The source file also refers to a modification by Bamford JM et al. (1989) and to a Dutch version by van Swieten JC et al. (1988).

Purpose

The main purpose of the mRS is to record functional status and degree of disability after a stroke.

The assessment focuses on the extent to which the consequences of a cerebrovascular event affect the individual’s overall functioning and ability to perform activities.

Type of Instrument

The Modified Rankin Scale is classified as an observational assessment instrument. According to the source material, it is intended for use with adults and older adults.

The instrument focuses primarily on functional activities and is associated with the assessment of stroke and conditions involving the nervous system.

Scoring

According to the provided source, patients are divided into six levels of functional status.

A score of:

0 corresponds to no symptoms.

5 corresponds to severe disability.

Intermediate scores represent different levels of functional impairment between these two extremes.

Interpretation

The scoring system follows an increasing severity pattern. Therefore, lower scores indicate better functional status, whereas higher scores reflect greater disability.

The mRS provides a concise overall classification of a patient’s functional outcome following stroke and can be used to describe differences in disability levels between individuals.

Applications

The Modified Rankin Scale can be used in adults and older adults following stroke, particularly when the objective is to evaluate overall functional status and activity limitations.

As an observational measure, it allows patients to be classified according to their level of functional impairment and may support the systematic monitoring of functional outcomes after cerebrovascular events.

References

Rankin J. 1957.

Bamford JM, et al. Modification of the Rankin Scale. 1989.

van Swieten JC, et al. Dutch version of the Modified Rankin Scale. 1988.

Note: The provided source includes only the above basic bibliographic information and does not provide complete reference details.