Which of the following is NOT a sign of a stroke?

The correct response indicates that "Time to take medication" is not a sign of a stroke. Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for prompt treatment to minimize brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.

The classic signs, often remembered by the acronym FAST, include face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties. These are direct physical symptoms indicating neurological impairment, typically from disrupted blood flow to the brain, which characterizes a stroke. The importance of observing these symptoms lies in the need for immediate medical intervention, often requiring a careful timeframe for possible treatments.

In contrast, "Time to take medication" does not represent a physical sign or symptom of a stroke. Instead, it refers to the urgency around treatment, specifically for administering medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) if the stroke is ischemic. Understanding that this phrase highlights the critical nature of swift medical response—not a symptom—clarifies why it does not belong in a list of signs associated with stroke recognition.