Clinical Overview
The ABCD2 Score is a prognostic tool designed to identify patients at high risk of a completed ischemic stroke following a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). TIAs are critical warning signs; while symptoms resolve completely, the underlying vascular pathology remains.
Pathophysiology & Evidence
The score combines five variables that correlate with true cerebrovascular ischemia rather than TIA mimics (like complicated migraines or seizures):
- Age and BP: Independent risk factors for microvascular disease.
- Clinical Features: Unilateral weakness (2 points) is a classic hallmark of focal ischemia in the anterior circulation.
- Duration: A longer duration of symptoms suggests a larger ischemic penumbra.
Formula Breakdown
Score = Age + BP + Clinical + Duration + Diabetes
Patients scoring 0-3 are considered low risk, 4-5 moderate risk, and 6-7 high risk.