Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with a stroke?

1. Sudden confusion

2. Severe headache

3. Fatigue

4. Difficulty speaking

The correct answer is: Fatigue

Fatigue is generally not recognized as a typical symptom of a stroke. Strokes often present with acute, sudden onset symptoms that are indicative of a neurological event. For instance, sudden confusion is common as a stroke can impair cognitive functions due to reduced blood flow to the brain. Severe headaches, especially a sudden and intense one, can indicate a hemorrhagic stroke and should be treated as a medical emergency. Difficulty speaking, or aphasia, is a classic symptom since strokes frequently affect the areas of the brain responsible for language. In contrast, while fatigue can occur following many medical conditions, it does not typically serve as an immediate or specific indicator of a stroke. Rather, stroke symptoms tend to manifest abruptly and can lead to significant functional impairments. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the vital signs of a stroke and ensuring timely medical intervention.