Which symptom is not typically part of ALS presentation?

Which symptom is not typically part of ALS presentation?

• A. Sensory loss
• B. Muscle weakness with fasciculations
• C. Dysarthria
• D. Fatigue

Answer: (A)

ALS is a motor neuron disease, so its hallmark is weakness and muscle wasting due to degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, often with fasciculations and later spasticity. Sensation, by contrast, is usually preserved, especially early in the disease. That’s why sensory loss is not typically part of ALS presentation. The other features fit well: weakness with fasciculations reflects lower motor neuron involvement; dysarthria arises from weakness of bulbar muscles; fatigue stems from progressive muscle weakness. If notable sensory deficits are present, other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or spinal cord pathology become more likely.

ALS is a motor neuron disease, so its hallmark is weakness and muscle wasting due to degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, often with fasciculations and later spasticity. Sensation, by contrast, is usually preserved, especially early in the disease. That’s why sensory loss is not typically part of ALS presentation. The other features fit well: weakness with fasciculations reflects lower motor neuron involvement; dysarthria arises from weakness of bulbar muscles; fatigue stems from progressive muscle weakness. If notable sensory deficits are present, other conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or spinal cord pathology become more likely.