l'hermittes and lesions

[patsmad]

I've posted here before, but I seem to have a million questions, still. I've had l'hermitte's sign + many other symptoms (leg wobbliness, hyper reflexes, numb feet/legs/fingertips, etc) for about 15 months. I've had 3 MRIs of cervical spine (the last one done in late January), one of brain, and thoracic. Should I be reassured that there are no lesions/plaques in my c-spine given tat I have l'hermitte's? Would you expect one to show up if it were MS? I even went to the neuroscience center at the University of Denver hospital, and saw the head of the MS clinic. He doesn't know what's going on with me, and wants more MRIs. Of course. Same as every other neurologist. Also, are MS symptoms this widespread at first, and would one lesion be causing all this stuff?

[superdooper100]

A related discussion, Spinal cord problems was started.

[ANE32]

I had to add that I have also had unexplainable symptoms for almost a year (Numbness-everywhere,and dizziness) and it all started after a very bad ear infection and fever..anitibiotics etc.
I can't help thinking my ongoing symptoms are somehow realted to that infection. I have had just about all the tests..all neg just waiting to schedule my second MRI.

[chsr008]

I too have had the same symptoms.  They started 1 yr. after my son was born.  I was 32 at the time.  I had numbness down my left side as well as L'hermittes signs.  Went to a neurologist who after several test and 3 very expensive MRIs-all normal said I did not have MS.  I returned a year later with only the occaisonal L'hermittes signs present. Dr. said i was fine and did not neet further tests.  Sent me out and wished me luck.  It has been another year and another child and I still get the L'hermittes signs when go for a brisk walk or if I get very anxious.  I still fear MS down the road but, can't dwell on it.  I wanted to mention that your theory of a new virus intrigued me.  Before I came down with my original symptoms I was very sick. High fever and traveling rash- caught it from my son.  Also, my father-in-law became ill as well and went on to develope guillen-barre syndrome.  I wonder if there is a connection to the illness and these symptoms.

[patsmad]

I didn't ask for a definition/description of what L'hermitte's sign is - I know what it is. It's really frustrating when you don't get your question answered.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH]

First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
   L'Hermitte's sign is an electric shock like feeling that radiates from the neck to the arms and legs when the neck is flexed.  This sign is often associated with the presentation of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the cervical spine, but it is not specific for this condition.  Other diagnoses that could cause L'Hermite's sign include cervical cord tumor, cervical disc disease with spinal cord compression, electrolyte imbalance and B12 deficiency.
   I would recommend an SSEP somatosensory evoked potential and a lumbar puncture as further investigative tests as well as some screening blood work (B12, etc.)
I hope this has been helpful.

[rcs2]

Hi Patsymad,
I'm sorry for your problems... I also went to an University, and I'm happy with my new neuro, but she has no idea what is going on with me... She even thisnks that there is a new bug out there (virus?bacteria?) causing this kind of symptoms - what make me think that there must be more people suffering like us...

Hi Patsy10,
I don't know if you remember my posting. I'm still not knowing what is going on with me...
Is your neuro who is treting you for Lyme? Did you feel any change after starting treatment? (Hope you are doing better!).
Let me know. I'm seeing a doctor next week that might be able to make a clinical dx for Lyme. At this point I don't mind taking antibiotics even if I don't have Lyme, at least I'll know...

Good luck for all,

[patsy10]

I am being treated by an internal medicine doctor. I actually have to travel out of state to do so.  Most neurologists( and general doctors for that matter) from my experience will not even consider lyme if the testing in negative.  Lyme is a clinical diagnosis.  Lab testing is for CDC, statistical purposes only.  It's very difficult to diagnose. Even the neuro on this site says it's hard to diagnose. All I can say is in 1992 I had 3 bullseye rashes followed by all sorts of symptoms then about 8 months later complete, sudden neurological syndrome (like MS)also with fevers etc.....MRI's, spinal tap normal.  I took several months of antibiotics and got better.  It took a long time to recover completely (several years)  it all came back again last year and again all testing normal.  I have numbness, tingling, weakness, twitching, floaters and so on......I have improved after a few months of antibiotics.  I don't for sure if it's lyme but it has responded both times to antibiotics.  It can lie dormant for long periods of time.  My symptoms came back after having a major surgery.  I hope this helps.

[patsy10]

I recently saw an MS specialist here at the Cleveland Clinic as well.  I don't know if you remember any of my posts from the past.  All my tests are normal too.  He did NOT think it was MS.  He said of all the things I could have, MS was at the very bottom of his list.  He was concerned about lyme as I have a history of bullseye rash and neurologic syndrome afterwards in the past. The test came back negative as always.  I am going to continue lyme treatment for now. I was told that many people have these kind of problems and they never know what causes it.  It's so frustrating to not have an answer.  I know what you are going through.

[young at heart]

It took 2 years and multiple MRI's before a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic done a samotosensory evoked potental test.This give them an idea of where the hidden lesions were.These lesions did not appear on the MRI's and to this date havn't.The Lhermittes have diminished to complete buzzing down my spine,to the elbows and down the right leg.Unless I'm laying completly flat.