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A practical definition of minor stroke

Vittorio Crespi1, Massimiliano Braga, Sandro Beretta

  • 1Neurological Department, General Hospital, Ospedale di Vimercate, Vimercate (Mi) Via Ss Cosma e Damiano 10, 20059 Vimercate, Italy. vittorio.crespi@aovimercate.org

Neurological Sciences : Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
|November 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Defining minor stroke (MS) is crucial for accurate patient outcomes. This study proposes a definition based on hospital discharge rates and 1-year mortality and disability, aligning with a Modified Rankin Scale score of 2 or less.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The definition of minor stroke (MS) lacks standardization, despite its association with good short-term functional outcomes.
  • Current assessment tools like the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) lack homogeneous scoring and timing.
  • A clear definition of MS is needed for consistent clinical assessment and research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a clear, evidence-based definition for minor stroke (MS).
  • To identify a specific Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) threshold indicative of a minor stroke.
  • To correlate stroke severity with key patient outcome markers.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the SIRIO study database, a large observational study of 2,573 Italian stroke patients from 2005.
  • Analyzed the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at hospital discharge as the primary index parameter.
  • Evaluated outcome markers including rate of discharge to home, 1-year disability, and 1-year mortality.

Main Results:

  • Discharge to home rates decreased as mRS scores increased.
  • 1-year mortality and disability rates progressively increased with higher mRS scores.
  • Proposed a definition for minor stroke: discharge to home rate above the SIRIO database average and 1-year mortality/disability below average.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed definition of minor stroke is consistent with a Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ≤2.
  • Standardizing the definition of minor stroke will improve clinical consistency and research comparability.
  • This definition aids in better understanding and managing stroke patient populations.

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