The Hunt and Hess scale provides a grading system for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. It is one of the most commonly used scales to predict outcomes and is based solely on clinical findings and symptoms.

Developed in 1968, the scale is widely used for categorizing severity of SAH. However, it has met with criticism for its inter observer variability.

• Grade 1: Asymptomatic or mild headache
• Grade 2: Cranial nerve palsy or moderate to severe headache/nuchal rigidity
• Grade 3: Mild focal deficit, lethargy, or confusion
• Grade 4: Stupor and/or hemiparesis
• Grade 5: Deep coma, decerebrate posturing, moribund appearance