What does the CVA/TIA mnemonic "Face" refer to?

The "Face" component of the CVA/TIA mnemonic refers specifically to assessing the presence of facial droop, which can indicate a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). When evaluating a patient for a possible stroke, it is crucial to observe if one side of the face droops or appears weak compared to the other. This asymmetry is a common sign of neurological impairment.

Facial droop often occurs due to a disruption in the blood supply to parts of the brain that control facial movement, which can lead to lack of motor function on one side of the face. Identifying this sign can help responders recognize the urgency of the situation and prompt faster medical intervention.

While other aspects like the ability to smile, jaw pain, or symmetry of eye movements may be relevant in broader assessments of neurological health, they do not specifically relate to the "Face" aspect of this mnemonic used for quick stroke recognition.