Abcd 2 - Index

How long did the TIA symptoms last?

This is where the becomes indispensable. The ABCD2 index is a validated, seven-point scoring system used by physicians worldwide to predict the risk of stroke within the first 48 hours to 7 days after a TIA. It transforms subjective clinical observations into an objective, data-driven risk stratification tool. abcd 2 index

Symptoms of a TIA in the back part of the brain (vertebrobasilar system) include vertigo, double vision, and imbalance—not the "unilateral weakness" that scores 2 points. These patients often receive falsely low ABCD2 scores, delaying treatment for vertebral artery dissection or basilar stenosis. How long did the TIA symptoms last

| Letter | Factor | Points | |--------|--------|--------| | | Age ≥ 60 years | 1 | | B | Blood pressure (Systolic ≥ 140 mmHg or Diastolic ≥ 90 mmHg at presentation) | 1 | | C | Clinical features – Unilateral weakness (2 points) OR speech disturbance without weakness (1 point) | 0–2 | | D | Duration of symptoms – ≥ 60 min (2 points), 10–59 min (1 point), <10 min (0 points) | 0–2 | | D | Diabetes present | 1 | | Letter | Factor | Points | |--------|--------|--------|

By evaluating five specific patient factors, the index helps healthcare providers prioritize urgent investigations and decide whether a patient requires immediate hospitalization or can be managed as an outpatient.