Which mnemonic helps remember the signs of a stroke?

• A. A - FAST - Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency
• B. B - DANCE - Dizziness, Area affected, Numbness, Coordination, Emergency
• C. C - RACE - Response, Arm movement, Confusion, Eye sight
• D. D - HITS - Headache, Impaired movement, Trouble speaking, Sudden numbness

Answer: (A)

The mnemonic that is particularly effective for remembering the signs of a stroke is A - FAST, which stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Each component of this acronym captures critical symptoms that indicate a stroke is occurring.

• Face drooping refers to an uneven smile or drooping of one side of the face, which can indicate weakness on one side due to a stroke.

• Arm weakness involves the inability to raise both arms equally; if one arm drifts downward, it may signal a problem.

• Speech difficulty can manifest as slurred or confused speech, making it essential to recognize.

• The mention of "Time" emphasizes the urgency of seeking medical help immediately if any of the other symptoms are present, as timely intervention can significantly impact recovery outcomes.

This mnemonic effectively encapsulates the most common stroke symptoms and encourages swift action, which is crucial in these emergencies. The other choices, while they may include important elements related to strokes or other medical conditions, do not provide an established or widely recognized framework specifically linked to the acute recognition and response to strokes.