Which tool is commonly used to screen for stroke in the field?

• A. Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (facial droop, arm drift, speech)
• B. NIH Stroke Scale
• C. Glasgow Coma Scale
• D. APGAR score

Answer: (A)

In field stroke screening, you want a quick, reliable way to identify potential stroke so you can act fast. The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale does that by assessing three observable signs: facial droop, arm drift, and speech. If any one of these is abnormal, it raises suspicion for a stroke and prompts rapid transport to a facility capable of stroke care, often with pre-notification to the stroke team. The strength of this tool is its simplicity and speed—it's easy to learn, can be performed in a noisy, time-pressed environment, and provides a clear, repeatable screen in just seconds.

The other tools are less suitable for prehospital screening. The NIH Stroke Scale is detailed and time-consuming, better suited for hospital settings to gauge stroke severity. The Glasgow Coma Scale focuses on consciousness rather than focal neurological deficits, and the APGAR score is used for newborns, not adults with potential stroke.