# Finnegan Score Calculator (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/finnegan-nas/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The Finnegan score calculator adds up 21 signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome – crying, sleep, tremors, muscle tone, feeding, vomiting, stools and more – to assess withdrawal in newborns exposed to opioids before birth.

## Inputs

- Crying
- Sleep after feeding
- Moro reflex
- Tremors when disturbed
- Tremors when undisturbed
- Increased muscle tone
- Excoriation (skin abrasion)
- Myoclonic jerks
- Generalised convulsions
- Sweating
- Temperature
- Frequent yawning (more than 3–4 times)
- Mottling
- Nasal stuffiness
- Sneezing (more than 3–4 times)
- Nasal flaring
- Respiratory rate
- Excessive sucking
- Poor feeding
- Vomiting
- Stools

## Results

- Finnegan score
- Interpretation

## Formula

```
Score = sum of the points for each item
```

## Explanation

The modified Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool is used every 3–4 hours in many neonatal units. Scores of 8 or more on three consecutive assessments (or 12 or more on two) usually prompt medical treatment. Newer approaches such as Eat, Sleep, Console focus on the baby's function.

### How to use the Finnegan Score Calculator

- **Crying**
- **Sleep after feeding**
- **Moro reflex**
- **Tremors when disturbed**
- **Tremors when undisturbed**
- **Increased muscle tone**
- **Excoriation (skin abrasion)**
- **Myoclonic jerks**
- **Generalised convulsions**
- **Sweating**
- **Temperature**
- **Frequent yawning (more than 3–4 times)**
- **Mottling**
- **Nasal stuffiness**
- **Sneezing (more than 3–4 times)**
- **Nasal flaring**
- **Respiratory rate**
- **Excessive sucking**
- **Poor feeding**
- **Vomiting**
- **Stools**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.

### Scoring table

ItemAnswers and pointsCryingNone = 0; Excessive high-pitched cry = 2; Continuous high-pitched cry = 3Sleep after feeding3 hours or more = 0; Less than 3 hours = 1; Less than 2 hours = 2; Less than 1 hour = 3Moro reflexNormal = 0; Hyperactive = 2; Markedly hyperactive = 3Tremors when disturbedNone = 0; Mild = 1; Moderate to severe = 2Tremors when undisturbedNone = 0; Mild = 3; Moderate to severe = 4Increased muscle toneNo = 0; Yes = 2Excoriation (skin abrasion)No = 0; Yes = 1Myoclonic jerksNo = 0; Yes = 3Generalised convulsionsNo = 0; Yes = 5SweatingNo = 0; Yes = 1TemperatureBelow 37.2 °C (99 °F) = 0; 37.2–38.2 °C (99–100.8 °F) = 1; Above 38.2 °C (100.8 °F) = 2Frequent yawning (more than 3–4 times)No = 0; Yes = 1MottlingNo = 0; Yes = 1Nasal stuffinessNo = 0; Yes = 1Sneezing (more than 3–4 times)No = 0; Yes = 1Nasal flaringNo = 0; Yes = 2Respiratory rate60/min or less = 0; Over 60/min = 1; Over 60/min with retractions = 2Excessive suckingNo = 0; Yes = 1Poor feedingNo = 0; Yes = 2VomitingNone = 0; Regurgitation = 2; Projectile vomiting = 3StoolsNormal = 0; Loose = 2; Watery = 3

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterCryingChoose one: None, Excessive high-pitched cry, Continuous high-pitched crySleep after feedingChoose one: 3 hours or more, Less than 3 hours, Less than 2 hours, Less than 1 hourMoro reflexChoose one: Normal, Hyperactive, Markedly hyperactiveTremors when disturbedChoose one: None, Mild, Moderate to severeTremors when undisturbedChoose one: None, Mild, Moderate to severeIncreased muscle toneChoose one: No, YesExcoriation (skin abrasion)Choose one: No, YesMyoclonic jerksChoose one: No, YesGeneralised convulsionsChoose one: No, YesSweatingChoose one: No, YesTemperatureChoose one: Below 37.2 °C (99 °F), 37.2–38.2 °C (99–100.8 °F), Above 38.2 °C (100.8 °F)Frequent yawning (more than 3–4 times)Choose one: No, YesMottlingChoose one: No, YesNasal stuffinessChoose one: No, YesSneezing (more than 3–4 times)Choose one: No, YesNasal flaringChoose one: No, YesRespiratory rateChoose one: 60/min or less, Over 60/min, Over 60/min with retractionsExcessive suckingChoose one: No, YesPoor feedingChoose one: No, YesVomitingChoose one: None, Regurgitation, Projectile vomitingStoolsChoose one: Normal, Loose, Watery
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — Crying: None; Sleep after feeding: 3 hours or more; Moro reflex: Normal; Tremors when disturbed: None; Tremors when undisturbed: None; Increased muscle tone: No; Excoriation (skin abrasion): No; Myoclonic jerks: No; Generalised convulsions: No; Sweating: No; Temperature: Below 37.2 °C (99 °F); Frequent yawning (more than 3–4 times): No; Mottling: No; Nasal stuffiness: No; Sneezing (more than 3–4 times): No; Nasal flaring: No; Respiratory rate: 60/min or less; Excessive sucking: No; Poor feeding: No; Vomiting: None; Stools: Normal.

Results — **Finnegan score = 0 points**; Interpretation = Below 8 – continue non-drug care and monitoring.

## Key terms

- **NAS**: Neonatal abstinence syndrome (neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome).

## FAQ

**How often is the Finnegan score done?**
Every 3–4 hours, ideally between feeds.

**What are non-drug treatments?**
Rooming-in, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding when appropriate, swaddling and a calm environment.

**Which drugs cause NAS?**
Mostly opioids, but also benzodiazepines, some antidepressants and other substances.


## Sources

- [Finnegan LP et al. Neonatal abstinence syndrome: assessment and management. Addict Dis, 1975](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1163358/)
- [Patrick SW et al. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Pediatrics, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33106341/)