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Neurology · TIA

ABCD2 Score Calculator

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

Age ≥ 60+1
Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 at first assessment+1
Diabetes mellitus+1

What is the ABCD2 Score?

The ABCD2 score combines Age, Blood pressure, Clinical features, Duration, and Diabetes to estimate the short-term (2-day) risk of stroke after a TIA.

Interpretation

Score2-day stroke risk
0–3~1% (low)
4–5~4% (moderate)
6–7~8% (high)

A note on current use

Many stroke pathways now recommend urgent specialist TIA-clinic assessment and imaging for all suspected TIAs regardless of ABCD2 score, given known limitations in its predictive accuracy — check your local pathway.

References

Johnston SC, Rothwell PM, Nguyen-Huynh MN, et al. Validation and refinement of scores to predict very early stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack. Lancet. 2007.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ABCD2 decide who needs admission?

It informs the decision but shouldn't be used alone — many guidelines now recommend urgent specialist TIA clinic assessment and imaging regardless of score.

Is ABCD2 still widely used?

It's still commonly taught and referenced, but several health systems have moved toward urgent universal TIA-clinic pathways rather than relying on ABCD2 alone to triage risk.

What's the maximum possible score?

7 points — 1 each for age, blood pressure, and diabetes, plus up to 2 each for clinical features and duration.