The difference in mean NIHSS ( National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ) score in group A between baseline and 6 , 24h , 7 , 14days was -1.6 , -1.7 , -3.6 , -5.9 , respectively ; in group B , the difference in mean NIHSS score between baseline and 6 , 24h , 7 , 14days was -2.6 , -3.3 , -5.4 , -8.7 , respectively .