The test analyzes age, blood pressure, symptoms, and how long the mini-stroke, also called transient ischemic attacks (TIA's), last. The researchers say their guide could be used to help identify the 10% of patients who are at risk of having a major stroke within seven days of a mini-stroke.
TIA's occur when bloodflow to the brain is temporarily blocked, potentially causing eyesight or brain problems. However, unlike full strokes, these symptoms disappear within 24 hours.
Professor Peter Rothwell, who led the study, spoke to the BBC News website about the test. He says, "It's a question of working out which individuals need to be seen on the day, or as soon as possible, and who is at low risk and can wait to be seen at the weekly clinics. This check is not complicated science - this is a very simple observational risk score."
