FAST Test For Stroke: What It Is and Why Timing Matters

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability worldwide. It is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Leading causes of stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke: The blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to the narrowing of the blood vessels. This is the most common type of stroke seen in patients.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Blood supply to the brain is interrupted due to the bursting or rupture of the blood vessels. Less common than the ischemic type.

About F.A.S.T Test

A mnemonic designed to increase the accuracy of stroke diagnosis is the Face Arm Speech Time (FAST) test. FAST was created in 1998 with the goal of properly diagnosing stroke while cutting down on evaluation and scene time. With a detection rate of 97%, it evaluates face droop, arm drift, and slurred speech as signs of stroke and highlights the significance of prompt transportation to immediate care. Time awareness may be significantly increased, and on-scene delays can be reduced by using the FAST mnemonic to indicate a quick concern of stroke and manage resources appropriately.

Role Of the F.A.S.T. Test to Recognise Stroke

F.A.S.T. test is a warning of stroke. F.A.S.T. is an acronym to identify stroke very easily. Doctors have created an easy-to-remember checklist for identifying early warning symptoms and determining the appropriate course of action, as rapid identification and response are crucial when someone suffers a stroke. Checking yourself or someone else for the most typical signs of a stroke is simple. F.A.S.T. stand for:

F (Face drooping): Feel numbness or weakness on one side of the face. A person is not able to move their face on one side only.

Test: Ask a person to smile or smile by yourself. If not able to do it, it's a red flag.

A (Arm Weakness): Feel weakness or heaviness in the full arm. Not able to move it

Test: Ask a person to raise both arms, and you observe that one arm is lowering. It's another red flag symptom.

S (Speech Difficulty): If a person is not able to speak, or speech may be slurred.

Test: Ask a person to say a short phrase.

T (Time): If you see any of these symptoms in anyone or experience them on your own, then it's time to call the doctor immediately.

Why Timing Matters?

One human brain has about 85 billion of nerve cells, when a person gets a stroke it will cause death of 2 million nerve cells every minute delayed in a medical facility.
Providers of emergency medical services are essential in preventing delays and reducing the time to care. Delays can be reduced by enhancing and giving priority to early detection and accurate diagnosis.
Early treatment increases the chances of recovery and lowers the risk of long-term disability.

Other Signs of Stroke

Weakness or heaviness on one side of the body ( face, arm, leg).
Loss of balance and coordination.
Loss of vision or blurry vision.
Severe headache with no known cause.
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty in swallowing food
Loss of consciousness

Conclusion

A positive FAST score can be used to raise concern and alert stroke centres before a patient arrives. The receiving hospital can be ready for patient arrival by arranging for sufficient medical staff, including a neurologist, as well as the necessary screening and treatment equipment, by informing stroke centres in advance.
Many individuals have a stroke annually; it is essential that people understand the signs so they can take immediate action if needed. It may actually save a life.

Know more about Stroke: The Second Leading Cause of Death Worldwide