Which symptom is indicated by the 'A' in the FAST acronym for stroke recognition?

The 'A' in the FAST acronym stands for Arm weakness, which is a key symptom in recognizing a stroke. The FAST acronym is widely used to help identify potential stroke symptoms quickly and effectively; it stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.

Recognizing arm weakness is crucial because it can indicate that one side of the brain is not functioning properly due to a stroke. This symptom is often noticeable when a person is asked to raise both arms and one arm drifts downward or is unable to rise fully. Identifying this symptom quickly can facilitate rapid medical intervention, which is vital for effective treatment of a stroke and for minimizing potential long-term damage.