Cardiovascular & Metabolic
ABCD² Stroke Risk After TIA
ABCD² score for 2-day stroke risk after a possible mini-stroke.
The ABCD² score, developed by Johnston, Rothwell and colleagues, is used after a suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) to gauge how urgently a person needs to be seen. It uses age, blood pressure, the type of symptoms, how long they lasted, and whether you have diabetes. It is for adults who have had brief stroke-like symptoms — if symptoms are happening now, call 112 immediately.
- Age ≥ 60 years?
- Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 at first evaluation?
- Clinical features (Other, Speech disturbance without weakness, Unilateral weakness)
- Duration of symptoms (<10 min, 10-59 min, ≥60 min)
- Diabetes?
What your score means
0–3 — Low 2-day risk (~1%). Lower short-term risk, but a TIA is still a warning. Arrange a prompt review with your GP.
4–5 — Moderate risk (~4%). You should be assessed by a doctor within 24 hours.
6–7 — High risk (~8%). Emergency assessment is recommended. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a diagnosis of stroke or TIA?
No. It is a risk score used to decide how urgently you need to be seen. Only a doctor, usually with brain and blood-vessel imaging, can say what happened.
What symptoms count as a TIA?
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, drooping of the face, slurred or lost speech, sudden loss of vision, or sudden severe imbalance — that then settles within 24 hours.
What should I do if symptoms are happening right now?
Do not use this tool. Call 112 or get to an emergency department immediately, because treatment for stroke is time-critical.
The percentages shown — what are they?
They are the published two-day stroke risk figures that go with each ABCD² band. They describe groups of people, not a prediction about you personally.