In the FAST stroke assessment, which finding reflects the Time component?

• A. Onset of symptoms occurred about 1 hour ago
• B. Facial droop
• C. Slurred speech
• D. Arm weakness

Answer: (A)

Timing is the critical piece in stroke care because treatments like thrombolysis must be given within a specific window from when symptoms started. In the FAST assessment, Time refers to when those symptoms began. The statement that the onset occurred about an hour ago directly reflects this timing, which is the key factor for deciding eligibility for certain interventions.

The other findings point to actual signs of a stroke—facial droop, slurred speech, and arm weakness—but they don’t indicate how long ago the event started. They show what’s happening (which component of FAST they align with) but not the crucial timing that drives urgent treatment decisions.