What does the "A" in the FAST acronym stand for in stroke recognition?

The "A" in the FAST acronym stands for "Arm weakness." This term is critical in recognizing the signs of a stroke. When assessing a person for potential stroke symptoms, evaluating arm weakness involves asking the individual to lift both arms. If one arm drifts downward or cannot be lifted as high as the other, it indicates possible weakness on one side of the body, which is a common sign of a stroke.

Identifying arm weakness is essential because it helps to quickly determine the likelihood of a stroke and facilitates prompt medical intervention, which is crucial for improving outcomes. Early recognition of symptoms like arm weakness can lead to faster access to treatments that can minimize damage to the brain and enhance recovery chances.