Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Question 1

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the death of (1) and (2), leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Answer 1

1. upper motor neurons in the motor cortex
2. lower motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord

Question 2

upper motor neuron syndrome is characterized by weakness or paralysis, spasticity, 1. (increased/decreased) muscle tone, and 2. (over/under) response of reflexes

Answer 2

1. increased -> hypertonia
2. over -> hyperreflexia

upper motor neurons exert inhibitory control over LMN -> damaged UMN means less inhibition of LMN

Question 3

lower motor neuron syndrome is characterized by weakness or paralysis, 1. (increased/decreased) muscle tone, 2. (over/under) response of reflexes, involuntary muscle twitches, and muscle atrophy

Answer 3

1. decreased
2. decreased

damaged LMN means less innervation of muscles

Question 4

one factor of ALS are inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of motor neurons proteins ()

Answer 4

TDP-43, SOD1, or FUS

Question 5

The symptoms begin gradually and can vary from person to person, depending on the nerves initially affected. Symptoms often begin with ()

Answer 5

weakness in one limb