How many points are on the ASPECTS scoring tool and how are points adjusted?

How many points are on the ASPECTS scoring tool and how are points adjusted?

• A. 7-point tool; add 1 for each region with ischemia
• B. 12-point tool; subtract 2 for ischemia
• C. 10-point tool; subtract 1 for each region with ischemia
• D. 8-point tool; subtract 1 for each region

Answer: (C)

ASPECTS is a ten-region CT scoring approach for early ischemic changes in the MCA territory. You begin with a perfect score of ten and subtract one point for every region that shows ischemia. The total then ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating less early injury. This simple rule—start at ten and deduct for each affected region—is what makes this description the best fit. The tool isn’t 7- or 12-point, and you don’t add points for ischemia; you subtract for each region with changes.

ASPECTS is a ten-region CT scoring approach for early ischemic changes in the MCA territory. You begin with a perfect score of ten and subtract one point for every region that shows ischemia. The total then ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating less early injury. This simple rule—start at ten and deduct for each affected region—is what makes this description the best fit. The tool isn’t 7- or 12-point, and you don’t add points for ischemia; you subtract for each region with changes.