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.
Comments