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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Do I Have ALS Quiz: Symptoms and Facts

Quick, free ALS symptoms quiz. Learn key signs and get instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Gart EldronUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art banner for free ALS quiz on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes symptoms treatments golden yellow background.

This ALS quiz helps you check your knowledge of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, including common symptoms, early signs, and care options. Use it to practice spotting patterns without self-diagnosing, then see where to study next. Interested in related topics? Explore our Parkinson's disease quiz, take a seizure test online, or refresh basics with a nervous system anatomy quiz.

What is the primary pathological characteristic of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?
Autoimmune destruction of the neuromuscular junction
Loss of sensory neuron function
Degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons
Demyelination of peripheral nerves
ALS is defined by the progressive degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons in the central nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. It is not primarily a demyelinating or sensory disorder.
Which neuronal populations are primarily affected in ALS?
Upper motor neurons only
Both upper and lower motor neurons
Sensory neurons only
Lower motor neurons only
ALS affects both upper motor neurons in the brain and lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in mixed signs of spasticity and muscle wasting. Sensory neurons are typically spared.
At what average age does ALS most commonly begin?
80 - 90 years
30 - 40 years
20 - 30 years
55 - 75 years
The majority of ALS cases present between the ages of 55 and 75, though younger and older onset can occur. The incidence increases with age.
What is the most common initial symptom in limb-onset ALS?
Muscle fasciculations
Dysarthria
Muscle weakness in a limb
Sensory loss in a limb
Limb-onset ALS typically begins with focal muscle weakness, often in the hands or feet, which gradually spreads. Fasciculations may occur later, and sensory function remains intact.
Which gene is most commonly mutated in familial ALS cases?
TARDBP
FUS
C9orf72
SOD1
A hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most frequent genetic cause of familial ALS, accounting for up to 40% of inherited cases.
Which diagnostic test is most useful to support an ALS diagnosis by demonstrating denervation and reinnervation?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Muscle biopsy
Nerve conduction studies
Electromyography (EMG)
EMG reveals patterns of denervation and reinnervation in muscles, a hallmark of motor neuron disease such as ALS. MRI is used to exclude other causes.
Which bulbar symptom is characteristic of bulbar-onset ALS?
Dysphagia
Vision loss
Spastic gait
Hearing impairment
Bulbar-onset ALS often begins with difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and slurred speech (dysarthria), reflecting involvement of the cranial motor neurons. Vision and hearing are not directly affected.
Which FDA-approved medication has been shown to modestly prolong survival in ALS?
Vitamin E
Prednisone
Riluzole
Edaravone
Riluzole is approved for ALS and has been shown to extend life by several months by reducing glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. Edaravone also has approval but its survival benefit is less clear.
What is the primary mechanism of action of Riluzole in ALS treatment?
Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
Positive modulation of GABA receptors
Enhancement of neurotrophic factors
Blockade of glutamate release
Riluzole exerts its effect by inhibiting presynaptic glutamate release and inactivating voltage-gated sodium channels, reducing excitotoxic injury to motor neurons.
Which biomarker is often elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients and correlates with neuronal injury?
Tau protein
Neurofilament light chain
Beta-amyloid
Alpha-synuclein
Elevated levels of neurofilament light chain in CSF are a sensitive marker of axonal damage in ALS and correlate with disease progression.
What is the main benefit of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in ALS management?
Cures respiratory muscle weakness
Enhances limb strength
Improves sleep quality only
Prolongs survival and quality of life
NIV supports breathing, delays respiratory failure, and improves both survival and quality of life in ALS patients by relieving hypoventilation. It does not reverse muscle weakness.
Which protein aggregation is a pathological hallmark in approximately 97% of sporadic ALS cases?
Alpha-synuclein
TDP-43
Beta-amyloid
Huntingtin
Ubiquitinated cytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43 are found in the vast majority of sporadic ALS cases, reflecting protein misfolding and aggregation in motor neurons.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Symptoms of ALS -

    Recognize both early and advanced motor neuron signs of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to distinguish it from other neuromuscular disorders.

  2. Differentiate ALS from Similar Conditions -

    Analyze symptom patterns to tell ALS apart from mimicking diseases, improving your accuracy in a "do I have ALS quiz" scenario.

  3. Recall Major Risk Factors and Epidemiology -

    Understand genetic, environmental, and demographic factors that contribute to ALS risk and disease progression.

  4. Apply Knowledge of Current Treatments -

    Summarize how therapies like Riluzole work and evaluate emerging research for ALS management.

  5. Navigate Quizlet Resources -

    Use terms and definitions from an "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis quizlet" to reinforce your memory and study efficiently.

  6. Assess Your Understanding -

    Use the interactive ALS quiz questions to gauge your mastery of causes, symptoms, and treatments and identify areas for further review.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Pathophysiology of Motor Neuron Degeneration -

    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis involves progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle atrophy and spasticity. A handy mnemonic - "U&L" for Upper & Lower motor neuron involvement - helps recall the dual pathology when taking an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis quiz. According to NIH and Mayo Clinic research, misfolded proteins like TDP-43 aggregate, disrupting axonal transport and triggering neuronal death.

  2. Recognizing Early Clinical Symptoms -

    Earliest signs include asymmetric limb weakness, fasciculations, and difficulty with fine motor tasks, often mistaken for peripheral neuropathy. Use the "FAD" mnemonic (Fasciculations, Atrophy, Dysarthria) when preparing for a do i have als quiz or als quiz question. Sources like the ALS Association emphasize noting bulbar-onset signs such as speech or swallowing difficulty within initial assessments.

  3. Diagnostic Tools: EMG and Nerve Conduction -

    Electromyography (EMG) reveals fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves, while nerve conduction studies rule out mimicking neuropathies; typical EMG voltage readings around 50-100 µV indicate denervated fibers. Remember for an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis quizlet, the combination of EMG, clinical exam, and ruling out mimics yields the highest diagnostic accuracy. University research recommends repeating EMG every 3 - 6 months to monitor disease progression.

  4. FDA-Approved Treatments and Dosages -

    Riluzole 50 mg twice daily prolongs survival by reducing glutamate excitotoxicity, and edaravone 60 mg IV over 60 minutes reduces free radical - mediated damage. These drug facts often appear in an als quiz referencing pharmacological management. Practical tip: create flashcards listing each medication, mechanism, and administration schedule to boost retention while studying.

  5. Emerging Research and Clinical Trials -

    Gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, and antisense oligonucleotides (e.g., for SOD1 mutations) are in Phase I - III trials, showcasing the latest in ALS investigation. Tracking trial identifiers (like NCT04288856) aids when reviewing clinical trial data on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis quiz resources. Journals such as Lancet Neurology and publications on PubMed regularly update these evolving therapies.

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