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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Stroke test questions to check your knowledge of signs and care

Quick, free stroke knowledge quiz with instant results and helpful feedback

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Sharon BotticelliUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art brain and quiz title test your stroke knowledge free with symptoms and risk factors on dark blue background

This stroke knowledge quiz helps you recognize common signs, risk factors, and what to do first. Build practical judgment with brief scenarios and instant feedback; deepen context with the aphasia and related disorders quiz and a refresher in the vital signs quiz. For more brain anatomy insight, try the circle of Willis quiz.

Which of the following is NOT part of the FAST acronym for stroke recognition?
Arm weakness
Face drooping
Tachycardia
Speech disturbance
The FAST acronym stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Tachycardia is not included. Recognizing FAST signs quickly can speed stroke diagnosis and treatment.
What is the maximum time window for administering intravenous tPA in eligible ischemic stroke patients?
24 hours
6 hours
3 hours
4.5 hours
Current guidelines allow intravenous tPA (alteplase) administration within 4.5 hours of symptom onset for eligible patients. Earlier treatment is associated with better outcomes. The strict window helps balance benefit and hemorrhage risk.
Which type of stroke is the most common?
Ischemic stroke
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Cryptogenic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke
Ischemic strokes, caused by vessel occlusion, account for about 87% of all strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common but often more severe. TIAs are transient events and cryptogenic strokes lack a clear source.
Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for stroke?
Male gender
Hypertension
Age over 65
Family history of stroke
Hypertension is the single most important modifiable risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Controlling blood pressure reduces stroke risk substantially. Other factors like age, gender, and genetics are nonmodifiable.
A patient suddenly develops slurred speech and cannot form complete sentences. Which condition is most likely?
Ischemic stroke
Myocardial infarction
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Acute asthma attack
Sudden onset of speech difficulties is a classic sign of stroke, often due to brain ischemia affecting speech centers. Rapid recognition and transport for evaluation are essential. Other listed conditions do not typically present with isolated acute speech changes.
What does the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) primarily assess?
Liver function
Stroke severity
Visual acuity
Renal function
The NIHSS is a systematic assessment tool that quantifies the severity of neurologic deficits in stroke patients. Scores guide treatment decisions and prognostication. It covers consciousness, motor function, language, and more.
Occlusion of which artery is most likely to produce contralateral leg weakness greater than arm weakness?
Anterior cerebral artery
Middle cerebral artery
Posterior cerebral artery
Basilar artery
The anterior cerebral artery supplies the medial frontal lobe, including leg motor areas, leading to contralateral leg-predominant weakness when occluded. MCA strokes typically affect face and arm.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined by symptom resolution within what time frame?
24 hours
12 hours
72 hours
48 hours
A TIA is characterized by transient neurological symptoms that resolve fully within 24 hours. It indicates temporary cerebral ischemia without permanent infarction. TIAs are a warning sign for future stroke risk.
On a non-contrast CT scan, acute intracranial hemorrhage typically appears as:
Not visible
Isodense (same as brain)
Hypodense (dark) areas
Hyperdense (bright) areas
Acute blood has higher density than brain tissue and appears hyperdense (bright) on non-contrast CT. This rapid imaging differentiates hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke. Over time, hemorrhage density changes as blood products evolve.
Which initial imaging modality is recommended to distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke?
PET scan
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound
MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging
Non-contrast CT scan
Non-contrast CT is the fastest and most widely available method to distinguish ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke in the acute setting. MRI may be more sensitive for early ischemia but is less accessible emergently.
Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to intravenous tPA in acute stroke?
History of intracranial hemorrhage
Hyperglycemia >400 mg/dL
Controlled hypertension (BP 150/90)
Use of aspirin within 24 hours
A prior intracranial hemorrhage is an absolute contraindication to tPA due to bleeding risk. Antiplatelet use or hyperglycemia are relative concerns but not absolute contraindications if managed. Uncontrolled hypertension (>185/110) also contraindicates until controlled.
Which condition is a common stroke mimic that must be ruled out before thrombolysis?
Liver failure
Chronic kidney disease
Hypoglycemia
Hypernatremia
Hypoglycemia can produce focal neurological deficits mimicking stroke. Blood glucose must be checked immediately to exclude treatable hypoglycemia before thrombolysis. Other metabolic disturbances less commonly present acutely like stroke.
Lacunar infarcts are most often due to pathology of:
Large artery atherosclerosis
Cardioembolism
Vasculitis
Lipohyalinosis of small vessels
Lacunar infarcts result from lipohyalinosis and occlusion of small penetrating arteries. This pathology is distinct from large artery atherosclerosis or cardioembolic strokes. They often cause small, deep brain infarcts.
A patient with acute left-sided limb weakness and facial droop likely has an infarct in the:
Anterior cerebral artery
Vertebrobasilar system
Middle cerebral artery
Posterior cerebral artery
Middle cerebral artery strokes commonly present with contralateral facial and arm weakness due to involvement of the lateral motor cortex. ACA strokes spare face and involve leg, PCA strokes affect vision, and vertebrobasilar strokes produce brainstem signs.
Carotid endarterectomy is most strongly indicated for symptomatic patients with what percentage of internal carotid stenosis?
70 - 99%
100%
50 - 69%
30 - 49%
Guidelines recommend carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic patients with 70 - 99% stenosis of the internal carotid artery to reduce stroke risk. Lower-grade stenosis yields less benefit, and complete occlusion is not treated surgically.
Which of the following is a major risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke?
Sedentary lifestyle
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
Low-salt diet
Chronic hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage. It damages small vessels, leading to rupture. Controlling blood pressure reduces hemorrhagic stroke risk.
Which endovascular treatment is most effective for large-vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke?
Mechanical thrombectomy
Carotid endarterectomy
Angioplasty without stenting
Intravenous heparin infusion
Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard of care for eligible patients with large-vessel occlusion within 6 - 24 hours of onset. It physically removes the clot, improving outcomes beyond IV tPA alone.
The most common cardiac source of embolic stroke is:
Atrial fibrillation
Patent foramen ovale
Ventricular septal defect
Recent myocardial infarction
Atrial fibrillation causes blood stasis in the atria, leading to thrombus formation and embolic stroke. It accounts for a significant proportion of cardioembolic strokes. PFO and MI are less common sources.
Which antiplatelet regimen is often used for secondary prevention after noncardioembolic stroke?
Clopidogrel plus warfarin
Warfarin alone
tPA infusion
Aspirin plus dipyridamole
The combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole is approved for secondary prevention in noncardioembolic stroke. It reduces recurrence risk more than aspirin alone. Warfarin is for cardioembolic sources.
In malignant middle cerebral artery infarction, cerebral edema typically peaks at:
2 - 5 days
6 hours
24 hours
10 days
Malignant MCA infarction leads to vasogenic edema that peaks around 2 - 5 days post-stroke, causing increased intracranial pressure and herniation risk. Early monitoring and decompressive surgery may improve outcomes.
Which lipid parameter is most closely linked to increased ischemic stroke risk?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Triglycerides
Total cholesterol
Elevated LDL cholesterol promotes atherosclerosis, increasing risk of ischemic stroke. Raising HDL and controlling triglycerides also matters, but LDL is the primary target of lipid-lowering therapy.
Which hereditary condition is characterized by NOTCH3 mutations and causes early-onset stroke?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Marfan syndrome
CADASIL
Fabry disease
CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy) arises from NOTCH3 mutations, leading to small vessel strokes and dementia. It is the most common hereditary stroke disorder.
Which agent is commonly used to reduce intracranial pressure in large hemispheric infarction?
Dexamethasone
Furosemide
Mannitol
Acetazolamide
Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that draws fluid out of brain tissue, reducing intracranial pressure in large infarcts. It is widely used in neurocritical care. Steroids are not effective for cerebral edema in stroke.
Sudden limb ataxia without significant weakness suggests infarction in the:
Cerebellum
Parietal lobe
Internal capsule
Frontal lobe
Pure limb ataxia points to cerebellar or cerebellar peduncle involvement, not internal capsule or cortical regions. Cerebellar strokes can present with severe coordination deficits and risk brainstem compression.
Alteplase (tPA) facilitates clot breakdown by:
Blocking fibrinogen synthesis
Directly degrading platelet aggregates
Activating plasminogen to plasmin
Inhibiting thrombin
Alteplase is a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator that converts plasminogen into plasmin, which then degrades fibrin clots. This mechanism underlies its use in acute ischemic stroke thrombolysis.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recognize Stroke Symptoms -

    Through the stroke symptoms quiz, pinpoint key signs like sudden numbness, speech difficulty, and vision changes to boost early detection.

  2. Identify Stroke Risk Factors -

    Analyze lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and genetic predispositions highlighted in the stroke test questions to understand your personal risk profile.

  3. Differentiate Stroke Types -

    Learn to distinguish between ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes, and transient ischemic attacks (mini strokes) using targeted quiz scenarios.

  4. Apply Immediate Management Steps -

    Master the F.A.S.T. protocol and other critical actions to take the moment you suspect a stroke, ensuring faster medical intervention.

  5. Assess Knowledge with Mini Stroke Quiz Scenarios -

    Evaluate your understanding through "did i have a mini stroke quiz" and mini stroke test questions to uncover areas for review.

  6. Plan Personalized Prevention Strategies -

    Use your quiz results to highlight knowledge gaps and create a tailored prevention plan that reduces your future stroke risk.

Cheat Sheet

  1. FAST Mnemonic for Rapid Recognition -

    The FAST acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services) is endorsed by the American Stroke Association for quick stroke detection. Practice with stroke test questions or a stroke symptoms quiz to internalize each sign. Remember, every second counts - if you spot any FAST sign, act fast.

  2. Understanding Modifiable vs. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors -

    Stroke risk factors include non-modifiable traits like age, sex, and family history, and modifiable ones such as hypertension, smoking, and diabetes (source: NIH). Focusing on changeable factors through lifestyle adjustments can significantly lower your risk over time. Try mini stroke test questions that emphasize prevention strategies to reinforce your learning.

  3. Differentiating TIA ("Mini Stroke") -

    Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), often called "mini strokes," produce stroke-like symptoms that resolve within 24 hours (source: American Stroke Association). Use "did I have a mini stroke quiz" modules to test your ability to distinguish TIA warning signs from full strokes. Early recognition of TIAs allows for preventive interventions before a major event occurs.

  4. Time-Sensitive Treatment Windows -

    Thrombolytic therapy with tPA is most effective within 3 - 4.5 hours of symptom onset, highlighting the "Time is Brain" concept (Journal of Neurology). Familiarize yourself with door-to-needle time goals and practice with stroke test questions focusing on acute management protocols. Quick decision-making can greatly improve patient outcomes.

  5. Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention -

    Post-stroke rehab involves multidisciplinary approaches: physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy (source: World Stroke Organization). Use mnemonic "SMART" goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound - to set and track recovery targets. Reinforce knowledge with a stroke symptoms quiz that covers long-term care and lifestyle modifications.

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