ABCD2: ABCD² Score for TIA

2-day stroke risk after TIA. Free to use.

neurology, emergency 5 items Updated 2026-05-05

Score ABCD2 below → Download printable PDF View source paper (DOI)
What is ABCD2? ABCD2 (ABCD² Score for TIA) is a validated instrument used to assess 2-day stroke risk after tia. It comprises 5 items.

What is ABCD2?

ABCD2 (ABCD² Score for TIA) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess 2-day stroke risk after tia. The instrument contains 5 items.

Source / attribution: Johnston SC et al., Lancet 2007

Clinical context: when ABCD2 is used

Like all screening or assessment instruments, ABCD2 is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Score ABCD2

Answer all 5 items below to see your ABCD2 score and interpretation.

Each item is scored on a 3-point scale (0–2). Your score updates live as you answer.

All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.

How ABCD2 is scored

ABCD2 uses weighted summation: each item carries a fixed weight that is added when the response indicates a positive finding.

Scoring notes: Educational use only.

ABCD2 score interpretation

The cutoffs below are drawn from the published validation literature. Always interpret in clinical context.

Score rangeBandInterpretation
0–3Low riskLow risk.
4–5Moderate riskModerate — admit for workup.
6–7High riskHigh — urgent admission.

How to score ABCD2: a step-by-step worked example

This is an illustrative walkthrough, not a real patient. Follow the same four steps with your own answers — or use the live calculator at the top of this page.

Step 1 — Score each item

Mark each item Yes or No. Each "Yes" adds the item's weight; each "No" adds 0. The example below uses illustrative answers.

#ItemExample responseScore
1Age ≥ 60Yes1
2Blood pressure ≥ 140/90 at presentationYes1
3Clinical featuresSpeech disturbance without weakness1
4Duration of symptoms10–59 min1
5DiabetesYes1

Step 2 — Add up the scores

Add the weights from the items where you marked "Yes" (skip the "No" answers — they contribute 0).

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 5

Step 3 — Look up the band

Find the row in the interpretation table whose range contains your total:

Total = 5 falls between 4 and 5Moderate risk

Step 4 — What does this mean clinically?

Moderate risk. 2-day stroke risk ~4.1%.

A score is one input alongside history and examination. ABCD2 supports clinical judgment — it does not replace it.

Score ABCD2 with your own answers above →

Limitations & common pitfalls

How ABCD2 compares to other neurology scales

If ABCD2 doesn't fit your context, related instruments in neurology include:

ScaleMeasuresItemsTime
Glasgow Coma ScaleLevel of consciousness after head injury3
MoCACognitive screening≈ 10 minutes
mRSFunctional outcome after stroke1
NIHSS (Lite)Stroke severity13
APGAR ScoreRapid assessment of newborn at 1 and 5 min5
ASA Physical StatusPre-operative health status1
CHA2DS2-VAScAnnual stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation8
CURB-6530-day mortality in community-acquired pneumonia5

Frequently asked questions about ABCD2

What does ABCD2 measure?

ABCD2 (ABCD² Score for TIA) is a validated instrument that assesses 2-day stroke risk after tia.

How many items are on ABCD2?

ABCD2 contains 5 items.

What is a high ABCD2 score?

Scores of 6–7 fall in the "High risk" band. High — urgent admission.

What is a low ABCD2 score?

Scores of 0–3 fall in the "Low risk" band. Low risk.

Is ABCD2 free to use?

Yes — ABCD2 is in the public domain and free for clinical, educational, and research use without permission.

What is the source paper for ABCD2?

Johnston SC et al. Lancet. 2007;369(9558):283-292.

Can ABCD2 replace clinical judgment?

No. ABCD2 is a structured assessment aid. A score is one input alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Treatment decisions should never rest on a screening score alone.

References & validation

ABCD2 is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources: