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Canadian Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Score

Predicts 7-day stroke risk after emergency department TIA/minor stroke.

Canadian Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Score
First TIA in lifetime
Symptoms lasted >=10 minutes
History of carotid stenosis
Already taking antiplatelet therapy
History of gait disturbance
History of unilateral weakness
Initial triage diastolic BP >=110 mmHg
Dysarthria or aphasia
Atrial fibrillation on ECG
Infarction (new or old) on CT
Platelet count >=400 x 10^9/L
Glucose >=15 mmol/L
History of vertigo
Result0 points

Approximate 7-day risk of stroke (with or without carotid endarterectomy/stenting) is low (~0.5%).

7-day stroke risk
low (~0.5%)

When to use

  • Stratifying 7-day stroke risk in emergency department patients presenting with TIA or minor stroke to guide admission, urgency of imaging, and specialist referral.

Formula

Sum of points: first-ever TIA (+2), symptoms >=10 min (+2), known carotid stenosis (+2), already on antiplatelet therapy (+3), gait disturbance (+1), unilateral weakness (+1), triage diastolic BP >=110 (+3), dysarthria/aphasia (+1), atrial fibrillation on ECG (+2), infarction on CT (+1), platelets >=400x10^9/L (+2), glucose >=15 mmol/L (+3), history of vertigo (-3). Low risk <=3, medium 4-8, high >=9.

References

  1. Perry JJ, Sivilotti MLA, Emond M, et al. Prospective validation of Canadian TIA Score and comparison with ABCD2 and ABCD2i for subsequent stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack. BMJ. 2021;372:n49.