Stroke: Symptom identification, FAST protocol and initial management

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a prevalent medical emergency characterized by the obstruction or rupture of cerebral blood vessels, resulting in acute neuronal injury. Prompt identification of clinical signs is essential for immediate therapeutic intervention and minimization of sequelae. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to review and synthesize recent literature on the characteristic symptoms of stroke, the use of the FAST protocol for rapid screening, and recommended initial management. METHODOLOGY: An integrative review was conducted using the search terms "Stroke," "symptoms," "FAST protocol," and "initial management" in the SCIELO and PubMed databases. Twenty-two articles were initially identified, of which 14 were selected as relevant for this study. RESULTS: Common symptoms of stroke include abrupt unilateral weakness, difficulty speaking, and visual loss. The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) protocol is an effective tool for initial screening, allowing the identification of signs of stroke such as facial asymmetry, weakness in one arm, difficulty speaking, and determining the time of onset of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Diligent implementation of the FAST protocol in the initial management of stroke is crucial to optimize clinical outcomes. Continuous education of health professionals and public awareness are essential to promote early recognition of symptoms and prompt seeking of medical care.