Validation of the ABCD² Score for Predicting Stroke Risk After Transient Ischemic Attack

The ABCD² score has been endorsed internationally as a simple method for identifying patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) who are at high risk for early stroke and require admission, yet multiple external validation studies have demonstrated mixed results. In a multicenter case series study, investigators prospectively applied the score to 148 consecutive patients with TIA at three hospitals in Greece and Singapore.

The 7-point ABCD² score is based on the following:

• Age ≥60 = 1 point

• Blood pressure at presentation ≥140/90 mm Hg = 1 point

• Clinical features: unilateral weakness = 2 points; speech disturbance without weakness = 1 point

• Duration of symptoms: 10–59 minutes = 1 point; ≥60 minutes = 2 points

• Diabetes mellitus = 1 point

Patients …