Authors
Keely Coxon, MD
Michael Chun, MD
Dawn Dewitt, MD
In this module
Act FAST!
The National Stroke Association and National Heart Association have used the acronym "FAST" as a public health tool for many years.
Anyone with the following signs/symptoms is encouraged to call EMS or go to the emergency room for evaluation. BE FAST.
Balance changes.
Eye (loss of vision in one eye; amaurosis fugax is a type of TIA).
Facial droop.
Arm weakness.
Speech difficulty (slurring, word-finding, incomprehensible speech, etc.)
Time (time is brain!)
You may also encounter the FASTER mnemonic, which evolved to include the following:
Facial droop.
Arm weakness.
Stability (dizziness, loss of coordination, difficulty walking).
Talking (speech difficulty).
Eyes (difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes, double vision).
React (call 911 or go to the hospital).
Image credits
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