Objective: In this study we compared the early prognosis of acute ischemic stroke patients by using Rankin scale, try to find value over the prognosis. Patients were classified according to the NIH stroke scale and TOAST classification.

Method: 1022 patients included in the study. Groups according to the NIH scale were calssified as, 0-6 points: mild-moderate, 7-15 points; moderate-severe, 16-42 points; severe-very severe. Neurologic status after 2 weeks were evaluated by Rankin scale and groups were defined as, 0-1; excellent, 2-3; good-moderate, 4-5 ; poor. Statistical analysis made by using chisquere, kruskal-Wallis and pearson corelation scale tesis.

Results: Almost all patients whose NIH stroke scale score were found to be low initially, had had a excellent or good early prognosis. Apart from this, patients who were classified as lacunar subgroup according to TOAST classification, had had a better early prognosis than the other TOAST subgroups.

Conclusion: Initial NIH stroke scale scores evaluated at the acute term were found to be very effective in prediction of the early prognosis. Early NIH score will be usefull in acut treatment of the patient and choosing new treatment strategies.