Neurology

ABCD² Score for TIA

Estimates stroke risk after a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Parameters

ABCD² Score for TIA Result

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FormulaAge≥60(1) + BP≥140/90(1) + Unilateral weakness(2) OR Speech impairment(1) + Duration≥60m(2) OR 10-59m(1) + Diabetes(1)

Clinical Pearls

Aids in deciding whether a patient with a TIA requires hospital admission for rapid workup (carotid imaging, echocardiogram) and initiation of dual antiplatelet therapy.

Limitations

Recent guidelines suggest ABCD2 may miss some high-risk patients. Neuroimaging (MRI diffusion-weighted imaging) is now considered a better predictor of subsequent stroke.