What are the signs of a stroke?

The signs of a stroke can be effectively identified through the acronym FAST, which stands for Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech problems, and Time to call emergency services. Each of these components highlights a specific and observable physical manifestation indicative of a stroke.

Facial drooping occurs when one side of the face becomes weak or numb, which can be tested by asking the person to smile. Arm weakness may be indicated when one arm drifts downward when the person is asked to raise both arms. Speech problems can manifest as slurred speech or difficulty forming coherent sentences, which can be checked by asking the individual to repeat a simple phrase. Recognizing these signs quickly is crucial because immediate medical attention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term disability.

The other choices pertain to different medical conditions or symptoms that are not specific to strokes, such as chest pain linked to heart-related issues, confusion or dizziness that could be associated with other conditions, and nonspecific symptoms like weakness or fever that do not specifically indicate a stroke situation.