What does the FAST stroke assessment stand for?

What does the FAST stroke assessment stand for?

• A. Face, Arms, Speech, Time.
• B. Face, Arms, Slurred Speech, Time.
• C. Face, Arms, Speech, Treatment.
• D. Facial droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.

Answer: (A)

FAST is a quick stroke screening mnemonic that highlights the most urgent signs of a stroke and the action to take. Face, Arm, Speech, Time sums up the key indicators and the immediate step. Check for facial drooping when the person smiles, and for arm weakness by asking them to raise both arms and seeing if one drifts down. Listen for trouble with speech or slurred speech. If any of these signs are present, it’s time to call emergency services right away because stroke treatment is highly time-dependent. This wording—Face, Arms, Speech, Time—is the concise form most commonly taught and used in practice, with some sources using slight variations like facial droop or time to call 911. The essential idea remains: spot the signs quickly and act fast.

FAST is a quick stroke screening mnemonic that highlights the most urgent signs of a stroke and the action to take. Face, Arm, Speech, Time sums up the key indicators and the immediate step. Check for facial drooping when the person smiles, and for arm weakness by asking them to raise both arms and seeing if one drifts down. Listen for trouble with speech or slurred speech. If any of these signs are present, it’s time to call emergency services right away because stroke treatment is highly time-dependent. This wording—Face, Arms, Speech, Time—is the concise form most commonly taught and used in practice, with some sources using slight variations like facial droop or time to call 911. The essential idea remains: spot the signs quickly and act fast.