Lhermites sign

[worryaboutms]

I have a question about this.

When i move my neck forward I don't get any shocking feeling. Sometimes though I am able to cause a shock in my hands if I bend my back over in a cat type stretch and then slowly move my neck forward. I know it sounds crazy like "why in the world would you be doing this?" And it's because one time when I woke up I was casually stretching and I felt the shock in my hands so it freaked me out. Now I'm sort of obsessed with trying to recreate the feeling. It only happens every so often and I'm "testing" it constantly.

Does this mean I have Lhermites sign? And if so, is there a pretty good chance that means I have MS? I have some parashesia that I've had for about 4 months but no other issues.

I was tested for diabetes, B vitamin, thyroid, and given a neuro exam by PCP. All normal.

I've enjoyed lurking around on this forum but I will admit I think that I'm obessing about having MS more than ever!

[worryaboutms]

Thank you for clearing up the mono link for me. I didn't realize so many people have had mono. Of course I went off on that tangent for awhile and discovered that only 1 in 1000 teenagers have had it. But maybe like you said Q- they don't remember so it goes undetected.

My leg numbness seems to be exacerbated after I shave. It's only on the right side. Very strange.

Again thank you all for your kind words.

[Quixotic1]

The link between MS and EBV is not very strong.  Remember that 96% or so of all adults have had mono, even if they don't remember it.  The only link that some researchers has established is people who have persistently VERY elevated titers, long after getting the infection, have a higher risk of developing MS.  How bad the bout of mono was has no relationship to getting MS.  Q

[Jazzyfizzle]

Hi Worry,

I hope you get some answers from your Neuro visit. I believe the link between Epstein Barr and some auto-immune diseases is from the chronic form of EBV. Believe me, you would know it if you had the chronic form. Life comes to a screaching halt and you begin 'existing' instead of living, just getting through the day is like you've won a marathon.

Take care and many hugs

Jazzy

[worryaboutms]

Oh yea and one more thing:

After I read your post about the link between mono and MS I was even more worried because I had a very bad bout of mono when I was in high school. I was on my back for 2 months. I had never heard of the connection between mono and autoimmune disease.

Sometimes it's nicer to be ignorant :)

[worryaboutms]

Hi Quix,

It's funny because I read that article a long time ago and YES...it sounds like me (a little). I have a tendency to worry a lot when something strange is going on with my body. My husband got really mad at me a few years ago because I was obsessing on the internet about some symptoms one of our kids was having. He said "STAY OFF THE INTERNET"

How did I find you guys you ask?

About 4 months ago I had a warm sensation in my right leg. I didn't really think anything of it until I saw my OB/GYN for a yearly exam. I thought I may as well mention it to her. She referred me to a neurologist. She said sometimes a pregnancy can tweak your nerves and cause sensations and that she has a patient right now that has that going on and the neurologist is working on it with her. I then asked "well what else could it be?" (really having no idea) and she casually says "'MS".

I immediately go home and get on the internet. And....YIKES. 4 months of obsession was born.

My warm feeling turned into a burning back, numb leg, tingly lips and tongue, and a few other crazy sensations. I went to my regular dr. and he said I was fine blah blah blah. After reading all of the posts here on this forum I wasn't satisied and had the need to see a neurologist. That appt. isn't until October.

I realized my mental state was getting the best of me so I went to a psychiatrist. I started taking an AD and was hoping it would calm my obsession. Alas it hasn't!

I appreciate the time and care you take with everyone here and I think what you are doing is amazing. I have learned so much from you and everyone else!

Thank you for your post and I'll let you know what happens.

Jon-

Thank you for your response. And no disappoint here!

[Quixotic1]

Hi, there.  I'm sorry you're obsessing about having MS.  That is a miserable state to be in.  I have a couple things to say that your post prompted.

What you describe certianly does not sound like L'Hermitte's sign.  All people have unusual sensations from time to time, and they rarely mean anything.  For those so inclined they may be very interesting or they may cause a huge rise in anxiety.  My L'Hermitte's is a constant and unwelcome companion.  Just the slightest drop of my head give me a lightening jab through my left leg.  I can't imagine trying to recreate it.

Part of me wants you to read the article posted by Hope on Cyberchondriacs called "I Remember an Article."  If you recognize yourself in the article I suggest you get some help, before Health Obsession/Anxiety ruins your quality of life.  It certainly can and it can drive away family and firends.  Have you obsessed about other illnesses and symptoms?

But the other part of me wants to hear why you are "obsessing" about MS right now.  You quickly mentioned some paresthesias, and something brought you to this forum.  Would you like to write up all the reasons that MS is such a concern?  Perhaps there truly is more and this little post, which you obviously knew sounded a little strange, is really a chink in a process of denial that you truly do have MS.  

I hope you take this is the spirit I wrote it - concern for your peace of mind.  Quix

[JonM]

What you describe is not Lhermittes.  Similar.  Lhermittes is caused by bending the head straight down chin to chest.  That should cause a "shiver" down the spine and legs.

Maybe you just have a bone spur or nerve you can strech that causes the hands to tingle.  Sorry to disappoint (ha) but you're going to have to do better than that to suggest MS
Jon