Which of the following is NOT a symptom of stroke?

A sudden headache is generally not considered a classic symptom of stroke, particularly in the context of common stroke presentation. The typical symptoms of stroke are often summarized by the acronym F.A.S.T. – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Each of these symptoms reflects dysfunction in the brain caused by interruption of blood flow.

Face drooping indicates weakness on one side of the face, which is a direct result of a stroke affecting the part of the brain that controls facial muscles. Arm weakness, similarly, points to impaired motor function due to a stroke's impact on the brain's control of movement. Speech difficulty signifies problems with communication due to brain areas responsible for language being compromised. These three symptoms are among the most recognizable and crucial for identifying and responding to stroke as promptly as possible.

While a sudden headache can occur during a stroke, it is typically not a defining symptom linked to the immediate recognition of a stroke. Instead, such headaches can be attributed to other conditions, including migraines or tension headaches. Thus, it is not part of the core symptoms used for stroke identification in the F.A.S.T. method. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective recognition and response to potential stroke cases.