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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Multiple Sclerosis Quiz: Check Your Knowledge of MS Signs

Quick, free multiple sclerosis self test to check your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Madison CapeUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cutout brain surrounded by medical icons on teal background quiz about multiple sclerosis symptoms and risk factors

This multiple sclerosis quiz helps you check your understanding of MS signs, symptoms, and risk factors. Use it to learn and spot gaps, then explore other possibilities with our autoimmune symptom checker and migraine quiz, or try a broader symptom checker quiz. Educational only, not medical advice.

What is multiple sclerosis?
An autoimmune disorder characterized by demyelination in the central nervous system
A genetic disorder causing muscle weakness
A bacterial infection of peripheral nerves
A neurodegenerative disease affecting dopamine-producing neurons
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheath in the central nervous system, causing demyelination. It is not related to dopamine neuron degeneration or a bacterial infection of peripheral nerves. The resulting disruption of nerve signal transmission leads to the varied neurological symptoms seen in MS.
Which part of the nervous system is primarily affected by multiple sclerosis?
The neuromuscular junction
The central nervous system
The peripheral nervous system
The autonomic nervous system
Multiple sclerosis selectively affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. Demyelination occurs in CNS axons, not in peripheral nerves or at the neuromuscular junction. Autonomic functions may be impacted secondarily, but the primary pathology is within the CNS.
Which of the following is a common initial symptom of multiple sclerosis?
Seizures
Rapid cognitive decline
Optic neuritis (visual disturbance)
Muscle atrophy
Optic neuritis, presenting with pain and blurred vision in one eye, is one of the most common initial manifestations of MS. Muscle atrophy and seizures are less typical early features, and cognitive changes usually occur later in the disease course. Early recognition of optic neuritis can prompt timely evaluation for MS.
Which immune cells are primarily responsible for attacking myelin in multiple sclerosis?
B lymphocytes
Astrocytes
T lymphocytes
Macrophages
T lymphocytes, particularly autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, cross the blood - brain barrier and initiate the attack on myelin in MS. While B cells and macrophages contribute to the inflammatory environment, T cells are the primary drivers of myelin damage. Astrocytes react to injury but do not initiate autoimmune demyelination.
Where are characteristic MS lesions most commonly found on MRI?
Basal ganglia
Brainstem tegmentum
Periventricular white matter
Cerebellar cortex
MS plaques are classically periventricular, appearing as ovoid areas of demyelination adjacent to the lateral ventricles on MRI. While lesions can occur throughout the CNS, periventricular distribution is a key radiologic hallmark. This pattern helps distinguish MS from other demyelinating conditions.
Which MS disease course is defined by clearly defined attacks with full or partial recovery in between?
Relapsing-remitting MS
Primary progressive MS
CIS (Clinically isolated syndrome)
Secondary progressive MS
Relapsing-remitting MS is characterized by acute flare-ups of neurologic symptoms followed by periods of remission, during which symptoms partially or fully resolve. Primary progressive MS shows steady worsening without clear relapses. Secondary progressive often follows relapsing-remitting and involves gradual decline.
Which imaging modality is the gold standard for diagnosing multiple sclerosis?
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Positron emission tomography (PET)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Ultrasound
MRI, particularly with T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences, is the gold standard for detecting demyelinating lesions in MS. CT scans lack the sensitivity to visualize these plaques. PET and ultrasound are not routinely used for MS diagnosis. MRI findings, along with clinical criteria, confirm diagnosis.
The presence of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid suggests:
Primary neurodegenerative process
Intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis
Elevated intracranial pressure
Bacterial central nervous system infection
Oligoclonal bands indicate intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins, reflecting chronic immune activation within the CNS. They are found in over 90% of MS patients but are not specific to MS alone. Their presence supports an inflammatory demyelinating process rather than infection or pressure changes.
Which of the following is NOT a well-established environmental risk factor for multiple sclerosis?
Cigarette smoking
Epstein - Barr virus infection
High dietary salt intake
Vitamin D deficiency
Low vitamin D levels, smoking, and prior Epstein - Barr virus infection are established environmental risk factors for MS. High dietary salt intake has been studied but lacks consistent evidence as a major risk factor. Ongoing research continues to clarify the role of diet, but it is not yet a confirmed trigger.
Low serum levels of which vitamin have been associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis?
Vitamin D
Vitamin A
Vitamin K
Vitamin C
Low vitamin D levels have been consistently linked to higher MS incidence and may influence disease activity. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects that could protect against autoimmunity. While other vitamins are important, none have shown as strong an association.
Demyelination in MS primarily disrupts which process along the axon?
Saltatory conduction
Synaptic plasticity
Neurotransmitter release
Axonal transport
Myelin facilitates saltatory conduction by allowing action potentials to jump between nodes of Ranvier. Demyelination slows or blocks this process, leading to impaired signal transmission. Axonal transport and synaptic functions can be affected secondarily, but saltatory conduction is directly disrupted.
Which therapy is NOT considered a first-line disease-modifying treatment for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis?
Interferon beta
Intravenous corticosteroids
Fingolimod
Glatiramer acetate
Intravenous corticosteroids are used for acute MS relapses to reduce inflammation but are not a long-term disease-modifying therapy. Interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, and fingolimod are approved first-line DMTs that reduce relapse rate and slow progression. Steroids provide symptomatic relief during flares.
Which antibody is most specific for neuromyelitis optica and helps distinguish it from multiple sclerosis?
Anti-aquaporin-4 antibody
Anti-myelin basic protein antibody
Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody
Anti-neurofilament antibody
Anti - aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies are highly specific for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and are rare in MS patients. Testing for AQP4 helps differentiate NMO from MS, guiding distinct treatment strategies. Anti-MOG antibodies can also occur but are less specific than AQP4.
Which HLA allele is most strongly associated with increased susceptibility to multiple sclerosis?
HLA-DQ2
HLA-DRB1*1501
HLA-B27
HLA-A2
The HLA-DRB1*1501 allele has been consistently linked to higher risk of MS in multiple populations. It plays a role in antigen presentation and T-cell activation, contributing to autoimmune demyelination. Other HLA types have weaker or no association.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Key MS Symptoms -

    Readers will identify hallmark signs of multiple sclerosis, including neurological and sensory changes that often prompt clinical evaluation.

  2. Identify MS Risk Factors -

    Readers will recognize environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors that can increase the likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis.

  3. Differentiate Myths from Facts -

    Readers will distinguish common misconceptions about MS from evidence-based information to improve their knowledge accuracy.

  4. Evaluate Personal Symptom Patterns -

    Readers will assess their own health experiences against recognized MS indicators to gauge the need for medical consultation.

  5. Apply Insights for Informed Discussions -

    Readers will use quiz outcomes to engage in more informed conversations with healthcare professionals about MS concerns.

  6. Recognize When to Seek Medical Advice -

    Readers will understand red-flag symptoms and scenarios that warrant prompt evaluation by a neurologist or primary care provider.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Core MS Symptoms: Visual, Sensory & Motor Disturbances -

    Multiple sclerosis often begins with optic neuritis causing blurred vision or color changes, and sensory symptoms like numbness or tingling (National MS Society). Motor issues such as muscle weakness and spasticity are also prevalent and can be recalled with the "VSM" mnemonic (Vision, Sensation, Movement).

  2. Environmental & Genetic Risk Factors -

    Risk of MS rises with factors like low vitamin D levels, Epstein - Barr virus exposure, smoking, and a family history of autoimmune disease (Mayo Clinic). Remember "EVSM" to review: Epstein - Barr, Vitamin D, Smoking, and Mutations (HLA-DRB1*15:01).

  3. MS Disease Courses & Classification -

    MS manifests in patterns: relapsing-remitting (RRMS), secondary-progressive (SPMS), primary-progressive (PPMS), and progressive-relapsing (PRMS) (American Academy of Neurology). A simple way to recall is "RR→SP" for the most common transition over time.

  4. Diagnostic Criteria: MRI & CSF Findings -

    The McDonald criteria rely on detecting lesions on brain/spinal MRI (T2 hyperintense) and oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid to confirm dissemination in space and time (NINDS). Tip: Look for Dawson's fingers on MRI, which are periventricular lesions radiating outward.

  5. Debunking Common MS Myths -

    MS is not contagious, nor does it always lead to severe disability; many live full lives with proper treatment and rehab (National MS Society). Use the mnemonic "NOCCMS" - Non-contagious, Ongoing management, Can improve with therapy, Multiple outcomes, Support available.

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