What does the acronym FAST stand for in stroke assessment?

The acronym FAST in stroke assessment stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. This is a critical mnemonic used to help identify the signs of a stroke quickly and effectively.

• Face refers to checking for facial drooping or asymmetry, which can indicate that one side of the face is affected.
• Arms involves assessing if the person can raise both arms equally or if one arm drifts downward.
• Speech prompts evaluation of the person's ability to speak clearly or if their speech is slurred or difficult to understand.
• Time emphasizes the urgency of acting quickly, as immediate medical intervention is vital to improving outcomes for stroke patients.

This acronym helps both the general public and healthcare professionals recognize stroke symptoms and understand that time is crucial in seeking medical help. The other choices present terms that do not pertain to the recognized signs and urgency of stroke assessment.