STROKE BASICS
This acronym helps identify early stroke symptoms.
What is FAST?
Sudden unilateral weakness is an example of this type of deficit.
What is a motor deficit?
The classic symptom of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
What is the “worst headache of my life”?
The earliest sign of neurologic deterioration in stroke.
What is decreased level of consciousness?
The head of the bed should be elevated to this range for aneurysm precautions.
What is 30–45 degrees?
This type of stroke accounts for 87% of all strokes.
What is ischemic stroke?
The first imaging test performed in suspected ischemic stroke.
What is a non‑contrast CT scan?
This condition causes fragile vessels in older adults and increases risk for intracerebral hemorrhage.
What is cerebral amyloid angiopathy?
This test confirms aneurysms or AVMs.
What is cerebral angiography?
These devices must be applied on day 1 to prevent DVT in immobile stroke patients.
What are intermittent pneumatic compression devices?
A temporary neurologic deficit lasting <24 hours with no infarction on imaging.
What is a TIA?
This visual deficit causes the patient to ignore one side of their visual field.
What is homonymous hemianopsia?
Most aneurysms occur in this arterial structure.
What is the Circle of Willis?
This cranial nerve deficit causes facial droop.
What is CN VII (Facial)?
This maneuver must be avoided because it increases ICP.
What is the Valsalva maneuver?
The most common modifiable risk factor for stroke.
What is hypertension?
Aphasia is most commonly associated with damage to this hemisphere.
What is the left hemisphere?
This medication is used to prevent vasospasm after SAH.
What is nimodipine?
A lumbar puncture is only performed if this condition is NOT present.
What is increased ICP?
A quiet, dim environment is used to prevent increases in this.
What is intracranial pressure?
The side of the brain responsible for language, logic, and right‑sided motor control.
What is the left hemisphere?
This scale is used to determine stroke severity on arrival.
What is the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?
A sudden decline in LOC after hemorrhagic stroke may indicate this life‑threatening complication.
What is increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
This assessment finding—sluggish pupils—indicates dysfunction of this cranial nerve.
What is CN III (Oculomotor)?
This is the priority action when a patient with SAH develops new aphasia and hemiparesis.
What is report immediately—suspect vasospasm?