How can you recognize stroke symptoms?

Recognizing stroke symptoms is crucial for timely medical intervention, and the acronym FAST is a well-established method to identify them effectively. Each component of this acronym serves as a quick guide to spot the most common symptoms associated with a stroke:

• Face drooping: One side of the face may appear to droop or feel numb. Instructing the person to smile can help make this apparent, as the smile may be uneven.

• Arm weakness: The inability to raise one arm or having a lack of strength in one arm is another signal. Asking the individual to raise both arms can reveal this symptom.

• Speech difficulty: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding speech can indicate a stroke. Testing this by having the individual repeat a simple phrase can aid in recognizing this symptom.

This approach allows bystanders and first responders to act quickly, as strokes require prompt medical evaluation to reduce the risk of severe complications or death. The other options do not pertain to the classic symptoms of a stroke, making them less relevant when assessing for a stroke emergency. Thus, utilizing the FAST acronym provides a focused and effective strategy for recognizing a stroke.