Calculate Stroke Risk After TIA

ABCD2 Score: A Tool for Assessing TIA Risk

TIA (transient ischemic attack) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, often a warning sign of an impending stroke. The ABCD2 score is a clinical tool that helps healthcare providers assess the risk of stroke after a TIA.

ABCD2 Score Components

The ABCD2 score assigns points based on the following factors:

• Age: 60 or older
• Blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg
• TIA features: Motor weakness or speech impairment on one side of the body
• Duration: TIA duration greater than 60 minutes
• Diabetes: History of diabetes

Calculating the ABCD2 Score

Each factor is assigned 1 point, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 7. A higher score indicates a higher risk of stroke.

For example, an individual with the following factors would receive an ABCD2 score of 4:

• Age: 65
• Blood pressure: 150/90 mmHg
• TIA features: Motor weakness on one side of the body
• Duration: 30 minutes

Implications of ABCD2 Score

Studies have found that patients with an ABCD2 score of:

• 0-3: Low risk of stroke (less than 5%) within 48 hours
• 4-5: Moderate risk of stroke (10-20%) within 48 hours
• 6-7: High risk of stroke (greater than 30%) within 48 hours

Healthcare providers use the ABCD2 score to guide treatment decisions and determine the need for further testing or admission to the hospital.