What acronym is commonly used to assess stroke symptoms?

The acronym commonly used to assess stroke symptoms is FAST. This stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. Each component of the acronym helps to quickly identify the key signs of a stroke.

When evaluating someone for a stroke, the first step is to check if one side of the face droops when asked to smile (Face drooping). Next, assess if one arm drifts downward when the person is asked to raise both arms (Arm weakness). Speech difficulties are evaluated by asking the person to repeat a simple phrase; slurred speech or inability to speak can be a sign of a stroke (Speech difficulties). The last part emphasizes the urgency of seeking emergency medical help (Time). Recognizing these symptoms quickly can significantly impact the outcome for the patient, making FAST an essential tool for first responders.

Other acronyms listed pertain to different emergency situations. CPR, for example, is specifically related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is not applicable in the context of stroke assessment. ABCDE is used for a general assessment of a patient's condition, and HELP does not relate to medical assessments in this context. Therefore, FAST is the correct and most relevant acronym for assessing stroke symptoms.