In the FAST stroke assessment, what does the 'S' evaluate?

• A. Speech ability
• B. Sensation in fingers
• C. Sweat production
• D. Skin color

Answer: (A)

The S in FAST checks Speech. It focuses on how well the person can talk, understand, and express themselves. A stroke can damage the brain areas that control language, so you look for signs like slurred speech, trouble finding words, garbled sentences, or not understanding questions. These speech changes are key early indicators of a stroke, which is why this part of the screening is emphasized.

Sensation in fingers, sweat production, and skin color aren’t used in this quick stroke screen. They don’t directly reflect language ability, which is what the S component is assessing. If you notice any speech changes, act quickly and call emergency services.