DRAGON Score: Explanation and Clinical Context The DRAGON Score is a validated clinical tool designed to predict the likelihood of poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3–6) at 3 months in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. It incorporates six key predictors: Dense Artery sign on imaging, pre-stroke functional status (mRS), age, admission blood glucose, onset-to-treatment time, and NIHSS at presentation.
The score ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater risk of poor outcome. It allows clinicians to quickly stratify patients, guide clinical decision-making, counsel families, and anticipate the need for intensive care or rehabilitation planning.
This scoring system has been validated in multiple cohorts and provides a simple yet robust estimate of thrombolysis outcome, complementing clinical judgment without replacing individualized treatment decisions.
Reference:
Strbian D, Sairanen T, Meretoja A, et al. Prediction of outcome after thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: The DRAGON Score. Stroke. 2012;43:154-161.
Strbian D, Meretoja A, Putaala J, et al. Validation of the DRAGON Score for 3-month outcome prediction after IV thrombolysis. Stroke. 2011;42:245-250.