FAST (stroke)

FAST is an acronym used as a mnemonic device to help early recognition and detection of the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

The acronym stands for Facial drooping, Arm (or leg) weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services.

The acronym was created to expedite administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator to patients within 3 hours of acute stroke symptom onset.

[3] Studies using FAST have demonstrated variable diagnostic accuracy of strokes by paramedics and emergency medical technicians with positive predictive values between 64% and 77%.

NEWFAST also addresses the sudden onset of a severe headache and vomiting that often accompany bleeds in the head.