warning signs of stroke (FAST)

Introduction

From Basic Life Support (American Heart Association)

• F: facial droop
• A: arm weakness
• S: speech impairment
• T: time to phone 9-1-1

Clinical manifestations

• focal neurologic sign
  • sudden facial droop
  • sudden weakness (any part of body)
  • sudden numbness in face, arm or leg
• sudden dizziness, ataxia, loss of balance or coordination
• sudden visual changes
• sudden confusion or trouble understanding others
• sudden speech impairment

More general terms

• sign/symptom

Additional terms

• stroke; cerebrovascular accident (CVA)