A recognition tool for transient ischaemic attack
J Dawson1, K E Lamb, T J Quinn
1Division of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, Western Infirmary Hospital, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G116NT, UK. j.dawson@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Background:
Scoring systems exist to assist rapid identification of acute stroke but not for the more challenging diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
Aim:
To develop a clinical scoring system to assist with diagnosis of TIA.
Methods:
We developed and validated a clinical scoring system for identification of TIA patients. Logistic regression analysis was employed.
Results:
Our development cohort comprised 3216 patients. The scoring system included nine clinically useful predictive variables. After adjustment to reflect the greater seriousness of missing true TIA patients (a 2:1 cost ratio), 97% of TIA and 24% of non-TIA patients were accurately identified. Our results were confirmed during prospective validation.
Conclusion:
This simple scoring system performs well and could be used to facilitate accurate detection of TIA.
Related Concept Videos
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction


