EssentiALS Quiz
Your ALS Resource Tool
EssentiALS
Introduction
Diagnosis, Mental Health, and Neck Weakness
1. Were you diagnosed within the last 6 months?
2. Have you had changes in your mood, excessive crying/laughing, anxiety, or depression?
3. Do you have neck weakness?
Bulbar
Speech, swallowing, and saliva
Bulbar refers to the problems with the muscles that control talking, swallowing, and managing saliva. These functions are controlled by the bulbar region of the brainstem.
4. Speech Changes
5. Salivation
6. Swallowing
Cedarbaum JM, Stambler N, Malta E, et al; BDNF ALS Study Group (Phase III). The ALSFRS-R: a revised ALS functional rating scale that incorporates assessments of respiratory function. J Neurol Sci. 1999;169(1-2):13-21.
Fine Motor
Handwriting, cutting foods, dressing & hygiene
Fine motor skills refer to the ability to perform small, precise movements, typically with the hands and fingers.
7. Handwriting
8. Do you have a feeding tube?
9a. Cutting food and handling utensils (patients with gastrostomy)
9b. Cutting food and handling utensils
10. Dressing and hygiene
Cedarbaum JM, Stambler N, Malta E, et al; BDNF ALS Study Group (Phase III). The ALSFRS-R: a revised ALS functional rating scale that incorporates assessments of respiratory function. J Neurol Sci. 1999;169(1-2):13-21.
Gross Motor
Turning in bed, Walking, using stairs
Gross motor skills refer to the ability to use the large muscles of the body to perform movements like walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects.
11. Turning in bed and adjusting bedding
12. Walking
13. Climbing stairs
Cedarbaum JM, Stambler N, Malta E, et al; BDNF ALS Study Group (Phase III). The ALSFRS-R: a revised ALS functional rating scale that incorporates assessments of respiratory function. J Neurol Sci. 1999;169(1-2):13-21.
Respiratory
Shortness of breath and use of respiratory equipment
Respiratory function refers to how well a person can breathe using their own muscles. BiPAP is a piece of respiratory equipment that assists with breathing.
14. Shortness of breath
15. Shortness of breath when lying flat
16. Respiratory insufficiency
Cedarbaum JM, Stambler N, Malta E, et al; BDNF ALS Study Group (Phase III). The ALSFRS-R: a revised ALS functional rating scale that incorporates assessments of respiratory function. J Neurol Sci. 1999;169(1-2):13-21.