What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

• A. Chest pain, nausea, dizziness
• B. Facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulties
• C. Shortness of breath, fever, headache
• D. Rash, shaking, confusion

Answer: (B)

The signs and symptoms of a stroke, which is often referred to as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), typically include facial droop, arm weakness, and speech difficulties. These symptoms are critical identifiers and align with the commonly used acronym "FAST" which stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services.

Facial droop indicates a lack of muscle control on one side of the face, arm weakness reflects a loss of strength or coordination on one side of the body, and speech difficulties may manifest as slurred speech or difficulty finding words. Recognizing these symptoms quickly can significantly impact the outcome for a stroke patient, as timely medical intervention is essential for reducing long-term effects.

While the other options list various medical signs, they do not accurately represent the classic symptoms associated with a stroke, which is why the choice focusing on facial droop, arm weakness, and speech difficulties is the most accurate representation of the condition.