Do you have ALS? Symptom checker
Twitching muscles, clumsy hands, or just feeling off lately?
If you've been asking yourself whether these strange symptoms could mean something serious, this simple ALS quiz can help you understand what’s going on with your body and what you might want to do next.
Free of charge
Single or multiple symptoms
Just 3 simple steps
Privacy Note:Your data is confidential and secured by SOC 2, HIPAA and GDPR standards.
Why Choose Docus Symptom Checker
Quickly make sense of your symptoms and see if they could be early signs of ALS, so you know when it’s time to talk to a healthcare professional.
Advanced Symptom Analysis
This tool doesn’t just focus on one symptom at a time. It analyzes how your symptoms work together to give you a better understanding of whether they might point to ALS or something else.
Your Privacy Is Protected
All your responses stay confidential. Nothing is saved, ensuring your quiz experience is safe, private, and fully anonymous.
Fast Results in Minutes
Simple, straightforward questions with easy-to-understand answers: no medical jargon, so you can quickly know what steps to take next.
200k+
1M+
Do I Have ALS? Try This Quick Quiz
Answer these simple questions to better understand your symptoms:
- Have you noticed muscle weakness in your hands, arms, or legs?
- Are you experiencing muscle twitching (small, uncontrollable movements) in any part of your body?
- Do you find it harder to speak clearly or have trouble swallowing?
- Have you been feeling unusually tired or weak without a clear cause?
- Is there any muscle stiffness or cramping that lasts a long time?
- Have you experienced any changes in coordination or balance?
Take a moment and count your "Yes" answers.
What Do Your Answers Mean?
- Mostly "Yes": Your symptoms could be signs of ALS or another neurological condition. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation.
- Mostly "No": ALS is less likely, but continue to monitor your symptoms. If new signs appear or symptoms worsen, seek medical advice.
Ready to learn more? Try the full ALS Symptom Checker now and get clearer answers in minutes.
Remember: This quiz is just a starting point. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose ALS.
What Is ALS?
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a condition that affects the nerves controlling your muscles. Over time, these nerves stop working properly, which causes muscles to become weak and waste away.
ALS usually starts slowly, but it gets worse as muscles lose their strength and control. It can affect movement, speech, and even breathing.
Common Signs and Symptoms of ALS
ALS affects people in different ways, but here are some common signs to watch for:
- Muscle weakness, especially in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Muscle twitching or cramps that don’t go away
- Difficulty speaking clearly or swallowing food
- Feeling unusually tired or weak without a clear reason
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Trouble with balance or coordination
If you notice several of these symptoms happening together, it’s important to pay attention and consider getting a medical check-up.
What Causes ALS?
Scientists don’t fully understand why ALS happens, but some risk factors are known to increase the chance of developing the condition:
- Genetics: About 10% of ALS cases run in families. If a family member has ALS, there’s a chance the gene can be passed down.
- Age: The risk of ALS rises with age, especially between 55 and 75 years old.
- Sex: More men than women develop ALS before age 65, but after 70, the difference disappears.
- Smoking, especially in women after menopause, may increase the risk.
- Exposure to certain toxins, like lead or chemicals, could play a role, but there is no clear proof of one specific cause.
- Military service has been linked to a higher risk, possibly because of exposure to chemicals, injuries, infections, or intense physical activity.
While these factors may increase risk, ALS often happens without a clear cause, and it cannot be prevented.
How to Diagnose ALS?
Only a doctor or specialist can diagnose ALS. Here's what the process usually involves:
- Physical exam: Checking your muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination.
- Medical history: Talking about your symptoms, when they started, and how they’ve changed over time.
- Tests: You may need tests like EMG (which checks muscle activity), nerve studies, blood tests, and sometimes MRI scans to rule out other conditions.
How Is ALS Treated?
There is no cure for ALS yet, but treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Doctors may suggest different types of therapy and support, such as:
- Physical therapy to keep muscles working as long as possible
- Speech therapy to help with speaking and swallowing
- Nutritional support to make sure you're getting the right food and fluids
- Breathing support if muscles that help you breathe become weak
Some treatments may slow down how fast symptoms get worse, but every person with ALS is different. That’s why care is usually personalized to your needs.
ALS should not be ignored. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the sooner you can get the right support and care.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Some symptoms should never be ignored. Get medical help as soon as possible if you notice:
- Muscle weakness that gets worse quickly or spreads
- Trouble speaking, swallowing, or breathing
- Muscle twitching or cramps that don’t go away
- Loss of coordination or frequent falls without a clear cause
Don’t wait and hope it goes away. Early evaluation by a doctor can help you get the right tests, rule out other conditions, and start supportive care if needed.
Remember: Docus symptom checker can guide you to better understand what you're feeling, but only a healthcare professional can confirm if it's ALS.
Our Users Love Us
Discover how Docus Symptom Checker has transformed the way people understand and manage their health.
I started noticing small twitches in my arms and legs, and then my grip began to feel weaker. At first, I thought it was just stress or being tired, but it kept happening. I tried the ALS symptom checker out of curiosity, and it really opened my eyes. It helped me realize these signs weren’t normal. I booked an appointment, and now I’m getting the help I need.
Common Symptoms and Diseases You Can Check
Explore a range of common symptoms the Docus Symptom Checker can help you understand.