ABCD Score
Used to predict the risk of stroke during the first seven days after a TIA. Researchers found there to be over 30% risk of stroke in TIA patients with an 'ABCD score' of six, as compared to no strokes in those with a low ABCD score. Can be used in routine clinical practice to identify high-risk individuals who require emergency investigation and treatment.
ABCD Score
Risk factor A Age of patient Category Age >/= 60 Age < 60 SBP > 140 or DBP >/= 90 Other Unilateral weakness Speech disturbance (no weakness) Other >/= 60 minutes 10-59 minutes <10 minutes Score 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 ________
Blood pressure at Assessment Clinical Features presented with
Duration of TIA symptoms
TOTAL
Professor Peter M Rothwell, Stroke Prevention Research Unit, University Department of Clinical Neurology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6HE, UK; T) +44 (0)1865 224237 or +44 (0)1865 224639; F) +44 (0)1865 228572; E) peter.rothwell@clneuro.ox.ac.uk (copied to tracey.brock@clneuro.ox.ac.uk to ensure a rapid response). For further information please contact the Media Team at The Stroke Association on 020 7566 0328 or email press@stroke.org.uk. References Rothwell P, Giles M, Flossmann E, Lovelock C, Redgrave J, Warlow C, & Mehta Z (2005). A simple tool to identify individuals at high early risk of stroke after a transient ischaemic attack: the ABCD score. The Lancet; 366:29-36.
