Question about Zings and Zaps.. L'Hermittes

[shawnie31]

I spent time reading old posts on the forum regarding l'hermittes. Quix you wrote alot on this and so many people dx and un-dx explained their issues with zings and painful zaps.

I have asked a similar question a few months but I didn't get as much feedback as I would have liked or maybe I was looking more for someone who can specificaly relate to what I am feeling.

Yesterday was my first real experience with a very painful zap in my right outer thigh. It lasted approx. 15 sec maybe less. It was like I was electrocuted just in that spot felt like it was the size of a pea. Now I had a second one tonight but it was in my left ankle and it didn't feel as sharp or as big in diameter. I gave out a OUCH when the thigh one happened and more of a Uhhh for the ankle one.

If this makes any sense to anyone and they can relate I would like to see what you feel about these sensations and what do they mean. My next MRI is Jan 4th. So far my sleep study showed + for insomnia, my bladder ultra sound showed above abnormal risidual urine even after voiding twice. My third neuro appt is coming up in a few months.

Until now I remain un-dx
current meds, Baclofen 30mg/day and Effexor 125mg /day

Take care,

Shelley

[Quixotic1]

As we know, MS is never inactive.  Every new symptom is a sign that the disease is moving alone.  Every symptom may not add to disability, but each one takes away from our quality of life.

Thanks for posting what you are going through.  And never apologize for something that has been covered before.  We have about 150 active members, more than 2000 members total and MedHelp guesses that we have hundreds of lurkers daily who have not joined the forum.  So, any experience you share will surely help many people.

Quix

[shawnie31]

Thanks for the posts...

Quix, I know I read alot of info you had posted previously on this topic. I tend to forget almost everything I read. I just posted this because now I could share my story regarding this zaps. I'm just surprised at the type of sensation/pain this causes. Still very new to me. If this were to be MS is it a sign that it could be worsening??

I know it's hard to make a comment on a question like this but I'm getting so anxious for answers as so many others out there are I'm sure.

Thanks for your time,

Shelley

[Quixotic1]

Shelley - You are getting some of the "paroxysmal" paresthesias that are so common in MS - and in some other diseases.  (Lyme sufferers also complain about them).  In MS they tend to recur in the same spots over and over, but are reported to be much more wandering in Lyme.  How painful they feel has to do with both the area that is involved and with the rate of firing of the ailing nerve - with the central nervous system.

ErinZoe - Both kinds of pain can happen, zaps that stab at one point and stabs that start one plce and trvel to another.  Both are types of paroxysmal pains that we see.

About whether they have to happen when you bend your neck:  No, these zaps and zings can happen anywhere with any - or no - stimulation.  It's just that to be called "L'Hermitte's Sign" they have to occur with the bend or moving of the neck.

Doc - wow, how annoying!  That means you had a lesion large enough in just the right spot to be irritated by any movement of the neck.  (I know you know this, but I was explaining for everyone else.)

Just in case anyone has noticed.  L'Hermitte's Sign is actually a Symptom (something "experienced" by the person) and not a Sign (something "observed" by the examiner).  But, it was misnamed from the very beginning and the name stuck.  So when we talk about "signs and symptoms" of a disease, we are talking about the things the doctor sees and the things the patient notices.  A few people had asked me about this.

Quix

[htowndoc]

when I overexert or overheat I get very classic lhermitte's (a horribly annoying buzz that runs down the back of my spine when i flex my head forward) - with my last relapse it was so bad that if I even barely moved my head at all my body would just buzz and buzz - it was hard to even think straight i was buzzing so bad!

[ErinZoe23]

Hey  I get zaps i would say right above my right wrist that travels down through my right hand.  To me it feels exactly the same as getting shocked by a plug or something. I wouldn't say they are painful to me just really weird and freaky feeling! I see yours stay in one spot? I never experienced that sorry  mine always travel somewhere then stop. I believe in MS the only zaps you should feel is when you move your neck and you feel it travel down your back. But that may not be accurate and now that i type that i wonder why mine is in my hand then lol (i'll have to go back to my dear friend GOOGLE and find the truth) lol  sorry i couldnt be more help but i am sure other swill help you alot more... and u ask what does it mean? Only God knows that one! To me I just figure its my nerves messin with me again and another symptom to deal with