Which of the following is a sign or symptom of CVA?

• A. Sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg
• B. Chest pain
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Dizziness after meals

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a cerebrovascular accident often causes a sudden, focal neurological deficit. A stroke disrupts blood flow to a specific area of the brain, so the resulting weakness or numbness tends to appear suddenly on one side of the body, involving the face, arm, and/or leg. This unilateral presentation reflects the brain’s organization and the way the affected hemisphere controls opposite-side movement and sensation. The abrupt onset is a hallmark, and other signs can include facial droop, speech trouble, or confusion, all of which signal urgent brain involvement.

In contrast, chest pain points more toward heart-related problems, shortness of breath can be cardiac or pulmonary, and dizziness after meals is not a classic acute stroke sign. So the abrupt unilateral face, arm, or leg weakness is the symptom that fits CVA best and should prompt immediate medical evaluation.