Is Lhermitte sign somewhat constant, or does it worsen after sitting for too long?

[bones314]

Hi all

I have a question: I've been experiencing, for a month now, the electric shocks when bending my head. Sometimes it is in my fingertips, sometimes it is also in the torso, rarely it is also in the leg (together with fingertips and torso). I noticed that it is worse after sitting in front of the computer for a long time, and when I go for a walk it may even disappear completely - bending head forward and not having the shocks at all, no matter how many times I do it. I also noticed that it doesn't get better or worse with heat (long bath, very hot, nothing changed).

Could this be related to MS? I never had a diagnosis of MS, had a brain MRI last week and it didn't show any lesion, I will have a cervical spine MRI next week. X-ray of the cervical area showed "minimal disk degenerative disease". I also had a really hard fall on the ice last Fall, in which I felt the whole body going numb for a few seconds (without losing consciousness). Neck was sore for a few weeks, then nothing else.

Does anybody else experience this "variable Lhermitte"? Is it always like that, or is it more constant (e.g. it will always give the shock, regardless).

Thanks a lot for your help!

[LilMinnie]

Hi and welcome :) I too have Lhermitte's at times. I first noticed it about six months ago. I have just recently started trying to figure out what is going on with me, but it is the first weird symptoms that made me think, hmmm, something isn't right.

To start your own thread, click on the big Ask a Question button on the top of the screen. It may be a little slow because of the holiday weekend, but there are a lot of nice, caring people who will offer support and advice.

Best of luck,
Minnie

[line253]

Hello, I saw this post and wanted to ask a question re L'hermittes but see this thread is from 2011, is there anyon still there I can ask a question to? Id be grateful :)

Caro

[sllowe]

Hi Bones,

Adding on a big welcome to you and my thoughts. This may not be L'hermittes afterall - but I hope you find out. I say this because you get relief from moving around, and sitting less. Sounds mechanical. I have HNPs that act the same way - such a fine line between doing too much, and just enough for a little relief.

Lhermittes is usually just bothersome. Like the others, mine is relieved when my head it up. I'll say a big yes to your question regarding it's ability to  be variable. Mine was at it's worse during my first attack, and now it varies.

Have had it for so long now - I avoid putting my chin down at all costs. Use my eyes mostly when I have to look down, and then slowly bring down my head.

-Shell

[jen673]

I agree with db1.  My early symptom was this and a c-spine MRI confirmed it.  I can make it happen when I look down, so I try to avoid doing it.  I am on neurontin which is helping to reduce the frequency and intensity of it.  Showers do not affect it for me but exercise does.  Also, caffeine really amps it up!  I am hoping that soon it will go away, like a lot of people probably are.  Only time will tell I guess.  At least it's not painful - just annoying!  

Praying that's it's cause is something you can fix and not MS.

Good luck with your tests!
Jeny

[EmilyElizabeth100]

I have been experiencing the same thing.... When I am sitting at my computer writing papers and look down to read the feeling gets stronger the longer I sit. But when I am active and walking around it almost disappears.

When I have it the feeling almost feels like a vibrating feeling around my lower back region to my tailbone.

As for the heat. I have tried putting a heating pad on it at night in bed and I haven't noticed any difference. When I wake up I still have the feeling but its not as bad as when I sit for long periods of time.

I have only been experiencing this feeling for about 2 weeks now. However, I have had the skin on my feet and legs be numb for almost a month now. I had a CT of my head done about 4 months ago for different reasons and nothing came up then.I haven't gone to the doctor yet but I plan on making an appointment this week. I am a 23 year old female and I am really worried this could possibly be MS.

[doublevision1]

I'm going to guess, for me, that Lhermitte's may intensify with heat.  Since it is at its worse with me after vigorous exercise, I'm guessing it is exacerbated by the increase in my body temperature?  On the other hand, it is no worse for me after a warm bath....

Just another example of the mysterious puzzle that is MS, I guess.

db1

[bones314]

Thank you very much for your reply! I have another question: does the Lhermitte always, usually, or rarely increase in frequency and intensity with heat?

[doublevision1]

I have the exact opposite experience.  My Lhermitte's calms down or is non-existent when I am sitting at the computer; watching TV, etc.  However after activity, whether this be a brisk walk or a hard run, it goes crazy.  This was my very first sign of MS.  About a year and a half ago I noticed that every day after I would walk briskly through the parking lot at work, I would get the buzzing and tingling when I got in the car and bent my neck forward.  I felt fine otherwise and wasn't worried about it at all, but mentioned it to my family doctor at a routine visit.  He said he didn't want to scare me but that's a classic sign of MS.  It took just over a year for a dx because my initial MRI's were normal and at the time I had no other symptoms.  

I understand Lhermitte's can sometimes be caused by other things, ie: a B12 deficiency; certain other illnesses; AND trauma.  You mentioned you had a hard fall last year; perhaps this is the culprit.  Good luck with your cervical MRI; I hope that it gives you the information you need so that you know what you are dealing with.

Good luck to you.

db1