title: Post-transient ischemic attack early stroke stratification: the ABCD(2) prognostic aid.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In many patients, transient ischemic attack (TIA) precedes stroke. Prompt recognition of TIA patients who are at increased short-term risk for stroke may facilitate efficient resource utilization and improved patient outcomes. Three prognostic decision aids have been derived and validated to empower emergency physicians to stratify TIA patients for 2-day stroke risk based upon information readily available at the bedside.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Can a TIA stratification tool predict short-term stroke risk?
  
  
  METHODS
  Two relevant tool derivation studies and one validation study were selected from an evidence search and a structured review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The three tools reveal similar prognostic capabilities, although the ABCD(2) prognostic guide may be slightly superior. A proposal scoring system for TIA patients at low risk for stroke within 90 days is presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stroke risk stratification is possible with a simple prediction rule.
authors.affiliation: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.forename: Samuel M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Keim
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Crossley
authors.forename: Jeffrey J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*