DIGFAST

DIG FAST is a mnemonic used in medical education and emergency medicine to aid in the recognition of acute stroke symptoms. It serves as a companion to the widely known FAST acronym (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) by highlighting additional signs that may accompany cerebrovascular events and by emphasizing rapid assessment and emergency response.

Common interpretations of the letters include D for Dizziness or double vision, I for Incoordination or imbalance, G for Gait disturbance, F for Facial droop or asymmetry, A for Arm weakness, S for Speech disturbance or language difficulty, and T for Time to call emergency services. The exact phrasing can vary between sources, but the overall goal is to broaden awareness of stroke-related deficits beyond the core FAST elements.

Usage and purpose: DIG FAST is used in prehospital teaching, emergency department triage, and patient-facing materials to prompt urgent evaluation for stroke and to remind bystanders and clinicians to seek immediate medical attention.

Limitations: While DIG FAST can improve recognition of potential stroke, it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Symptoms can overlap with other conditions, and not all stroke patients present with all signs. Immediate emergency assessment, including imaging, is required for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Origin: The term appears in various training programs and clinical guidelines as an expansion of FAST, with variations in wording across educational materials.