The Face Arm Speech Test (FAST) can be used to screen a patient for evidence of a stroke. The addition of an assessment of gaze results in the G-FAST score.
Patient selection: possible large anterior vessel occlusion (LAVO)
Parameters:
(1) facial palsy
(2) arm weakness
(3) speech impairment
(4) gaze
Parameter
Finding
Points
facial palsy
absent
0
present
1
arm weakness
absent
0
present
1
speech disturbance
absent
0
present
1
gaze palsy
absent
0
present
1
In a stroke the facial palsy and arm weakness should affect the same side if both are present.
total score =
= SUM(points for all 4 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 4
• The higher the score the greater the odds ratio for LAVO.
Total Score
Adjusted OR for LAVO
0
1
1
1.4
2
2.9
3
6.0
4
20.5
Performance:
• A G-FAST >= 3 had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 39%.
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